Do you disagree with your Property Tax Assessment? Did you know you

could appeal? The information that follows explains the steps necessary to

challenge the assessed value of your property, and if done correctly, it may

save you money!


What is an application for changed assessment (assessment appeal)?

An application for changed assessment (assessment appeal) is your opportunity

to challenge the assessed value placed upon your property by the Assessor.


How does assessed value affect my taxes?

The assessed value of property and the tax rate applied to this value equals the

amount of tax money each property owner is required to pay. The Assessment

Appeals process concerns only the assessed value of your property.


Who determines the assessed value of my property and how is it determined?

The County Assessor, who is elected by the people, is directed by the California

Constitution to assess all taxable property within the County. By law, the assessment

of property involves estimating a property's value and listing that

value on the assessment roll.


In preparing the assessment roll, the Assessor Department estimates a property's

full cash value. Appraising is not an exact science, but is an opinion based

on consideration of relevant facts.


How do I know what the assessed value of my property is?

A valuation card/letter is mailed to you each July for the regular annual assessment.

This card/letter contains important information about your property,

including the value as of January 1, referred to as the "lien date". Separate

notices are mailed for special assessments, referred to as "supplemental", “revised”,

“calamity” or "escape" assessments.


What if I disagree with the assessed value of my property?

Differences of opinion can and do arise. Property owners have a right to challenge

their property assessments by filing an application for changed assessment with the

Assessment Appeals Board. You are also urged to contact the Assessor

to verify the circumstances of the assessment. This will assist you in understanding

the method used in appraising your property. You may also ask the

Assessor for an informal review which may result in an adjustment without requiring

further action. Be sure to check with the Assessor for any form or filing

deadline that may apply to an informal review.


What is the Assessment Appeals Board?

Determinations of value are made by either a three member Assessment Appeals

Board or a Hearing Officer. These individuals are appointed by the Board

of Supervisors to serve as the local board of equalization. They must have experience

as an appraiser, real estate broker, CPA or attorney. Their role is to determine

the value of your property based upon evidence presented by you and

the Assessor.


Having your case heard before a hearing officer is considered an expedient and

convenient alternative to the formal Board quasi-judicial proceedings.


How do I get an Assessment Appeals Application?

Assessment Appeals Applications and instruction leaflets are available at most

libraries within San Diego County. Please consult your phone directory for the

location most convenient to you.

You can also use the County online appeal system that provides step-by-step

help at the Clerk of the Board web site. Go to:

http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/cob/faq.html#assapp.

If you wish to receive these materials by mail, call (619) 531-5777 or stop by the

Clerk of the Board Office at 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA

92101.


When do I have to file an Assessment Appeals application?

Applications for regular appeals (value as of January 1 of the current year) must

be filed with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and no

later than November 30 each year. If the date for the end of the filing period

(November 30) falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the last date to file will default

to the date of the following business working day.


Applications for “SUPPLEMENTAL” assessments must be filed no later than

sixty (60) days from the Notice of Assessment.


Applications for “ROLL CHANGE” assessments must be filed no later than

sixty (60) days from the Notice of Assessment.


Applications for “ESCAPE” assessments must be filed no later than sixty (60)

days from the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment.


Applications for “CALAMITY” assessments must be filed no later than six (6)

months from the Notice of Reassessment Due to Calamity or Misfortune.


Who can file an Assessment Appeals application?

Any property owner who disagrees with the assessed value of his/her property

may file an appeal. Although not required, a property owner may have an attorney,

family member or professional tax agent file on his/her behalf.


Do I have to file an application every year?

Possibly. If you disagree with the assessed value of your property, can support

it with evidence, and are not satisfied with the outcome of an informal review

with the Assessor, you may wish to file an application.


Does it cost anything to file an application?

No. The County does not charge fees for filing or processing assessment appeal

applications.


What information do I include on my application?

ALL QUESTIONS ON THE APPLICATION MUST BE ANSWERED. Specific

instructions are included on the reverse of the application to assist you.


Where do I file my application?

Mail the completed and signed application to the Post Office Box listed on the

back of the application.


Do I have to pay my property tax if I have filed an application?

Yes. Don't forget to pay your property tax bill to the Tax Collector while awaiting

the outcome of your appeal. The assessment of your property is deemed

correct until such time as it is changed by the Board. If taxes are not paid in a

timely manner, you will be subject to a non-refundable 10% penalty regardless

of whether your assessment is subsequently adjusted. If adjusted, your refund

will include the amount of overpayment plus interest.


When will my hearing be scheduled?

Most appeals heard by an Assessment Appeals Board are scheduled in twelve to eighteen

months; Residential appeals heard by a Hearing Officer are scheduled

in six-nine months. Revenue and Taxation Code § 1604, however, allows up to

two years for an assessment appeal to be decided.


What happens at the hearing?

At the hearing, you and the Assessor are given the opportunity to present factual

evidence to substantiate your opinions of value. All testimony is presented

under oath. You and the Assessor may question each other regarding the evidence presented.

The Board or Hearing Officer will either advise you of their decision at the conclusion

of the hearing or you will be notified of their decision by mail at a later

date. This decision is final and may only be appealed to Superior Court.


Where do I get additional information?

If you need additional information about how your property was valued, you

may call the Assessor at (619) 236-3771 for assistance.

If you need additional information about the appeals process, you may call the

Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Assessment Appeals Services at

(619) 531-5777 for assistance.


The above information pertains to the Property Assessment Appeals process

in San Diego County. If the property in question lies within another County,

please check with the Clerk of the Board or the County Assessor in that

County for information on the requirements in that area.