Is is possible to lower my property taxes?

In many cases it is possible to lower your property taxes for both real estate and personal property.

The reduction might be for as long as one owns the property or for only one year. Under Proposition 13 a county in California is not allowed to assess or tax a person based on a properties value that is greater than what that property would sell for as of the lien date of each year. By statue the lien data is January 1, of each tax year.

In order to see if you might qualify for lower taxes you should look at the value that the county says your property is worth and determine if your property would sell for that value or more. If your property would sell for less than what the county believes then you are entitled under Proposition 13 to a lower property tax bill for that year.

Most counties do not automatically reduce your value and subsequently your property taxes. There are a number of actions and dates that a property owner needs to take in order to have a reduction in property taxes.

California Property Tax

Mr. Dunbar’s primary expertise is in property tax issues. Prior to opening his own tax consulting business, he was elected to the Mariposa County Assessors office in 1978 and appointed to the Chief Assistant Assessor’s position for the City and County of San Francisco in 1991. During his term he also served as President of the Central/Southern California Assessor’s Association.

Steve currently holds a General Certified Appraisal License issued by the State of California and possesses a State Board of Equalization Certificate for property tax appraising.

AFFILIATIONS AND CREDENTIALS:

• General Certified Appraisal License, State of California
• Certified Appraiser for Property Tax Purposes
• Member of the Madera-Mariposa Draft Board
• Secretary of the California Assessor's Association (1990)
• President Central California Assessor’s Association (1981 & 1988)
• Retired Member of the California Assessor’s Association
• Former Chairman of the Mariposa Community Planning Council
• Former Director, Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce
• Former Member of the California Society of Auditors-Appraisers
• Former Member of the Executive Legislative & Standards Committee
• California Assessor’s Association
• Former Member of the International Association of Assessing Officers
• Former Member of the Mariposa County Real Estate Association
• Former Member of the Rotary Club

QUALIFIED AS AN EXPERT WITNESS IN:

• Madera County Superior Court
• Mariposa County Superior Court
• Bankruptcy Court - San Deigo
• Bankruptcy Court - San Francisco