FAQs
How can I find out if my property taxes are too high?
Ask us for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case, and tell you if we think you're paying too much. Sign up online or call 877-370-LESS for a FREE savings estimate.
How
are property taxes lowered?
Utilizing
expert market analysis, we will
determine what the value of comparable
properties are to your own and determine
what you should be paying in property
taxes. We will submit the analysis to
the County Assessor's office, and follow
up to ensure that you get a fair review.
What does your service cost?
Our initial fee is $20 to get the process started. Upon successful completion of your property reassessment, we will collect 0.5% of your first year assessed reduction. Remember, your tax savings will continue each year until the county reassesses your property and determines that there has been an appreciation in value.
Will I have to go to hearings or court?
No. We do all the paperwork, filings, and preparation, and appear on your behalf at hearings and, if necessary, at appeals.
What is Proposition 13?
Under Proposition 13, real property is only reappraised when a change- in-ownership occurs, or when new construction or home improvements take place. Generally, these are the only two instances that allow for property assessments to be increased above original assessed value. (Except for these two instances only a 2% of payment increase is allowed annually with inflation.)
What is Proposition 8?
Under Proposition 8, the county assessor is required to annually enroll either a property's Proposition 13 value (Factoring in inflation no more than 2% annually), or its current market value if it is less. When a lower market value replaces the Proposition 13 value it's referred to as the "Prop 8 Value."
The law allows for a property value reassessment based on a property’s market value, assuming it is lower than the existing Proposition 13 value, upon filing of appeal for review of assessment.
Will my reduction be retroactive?
Reductions are not retroactive. The reduction will be reflected in your next tax bill and subsequent bills, until your property is reassessed.
What if my request is turned down?
Your property taxes will remain unchanged. There are no penalties, and you can file again next year if you choose
What is the penalty for filing late?
Late filing is not permitted. If you miss the deadline, you have to wait until next year to file
Can my new assessed value be changed after my taxes are lowered?
- Although the annual increase for Proposition 13 is limited to 2% annually with inflation, the same restriction does not apply to values adjusted under Proposition 8.
- The new Prop 8 Value is a temporary reduction. All Prop 8 Value properties are automatically reviewed every year by the assessor. As the market stays down you will continue to save money every year. When The Prop 8 market value exceeds the original Prop 13 value (factoring in 2% inflation), the assessor simply reinstates the factored Proposition 13 value with no penalties.
How does the process work with the county appraiser?
- Property Tax Masters provides the County Assessor with all the documents needed to justify a reduction in value and requests a review of the propertys value.
- Appraisal staff at County Assessor reviews market data, estimates the propertys market value as of January 1 and then compares this market value to the propertys current Prop 13 factored base year value.
- If the January 1 market value is below factored Prop 13 value, then:
- Assessed value is lowered to market value for next fiscal year
- We will notify the owner of the reduced value
- New tax bill is based on lower value for next fiscal year- The following year, Assessor repeats process and enrolls the January 1 market value at that time or Prop 13 factored value, whichever is lower
- If January 1 market
value is higher than factored Prop 13
value, then:
- No change in assessed value is made
- We will notify the owner if the value is not reduced
- If we feel the value should be
reduced, then we will file an assessment
appeal with the Assessment Appeals
Board, July 2 - Nov 30
every year
- Appeals Board hears evidence from us and Assessor; the Board then determines proper assessed value