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Property Assessment Facts

REAL ESTATE

• Based upon Proposition 13, passed by the voters in June, 1978, the Assessor is required to appraise real property as of the date of the change-in-ownership or as of the date of completion of any new construction. The property will be assessed on the basis of the new valuation.

• The assessed value then may only be increased each year by an inflationary rate not to exceed two percent (2%) per year, unless there has been new construction or a change in ownership.

• The maximum amount of property tax cannot exceed one percent (1%) of the property's
  appraised value, plus any bonded indebtedness or fees as approved by the voters.

• For more information, call the Assessor's district office nearest you.

MANUFACTURED HOMES

• All new manufactured homes purchased after June 30, 1980, and those on permanent foundations, are subject to local assessment.

• Manufactured homes bought before June 30, 1980, may not be subject to property taxes. They may be on license fees, which are under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

• For more information, contact the Assessor's district office nearest you.

CHANGE-IN-OWNERSHIP APPRAISALS

• When a change in ownership occurs, the Assessor receives a copy of the deed and
  determines if an appraisal is required under State law. If it is required, an appraisal is
  made to determine the current assessed value of the property. The property owner is then
  notified of the new assessment and has the right to appeal the value.

NEW CONSTRUCTION APPRAISALS

• Copies of all building permits are sent to the Assessor's Office by the cities and
  county. If the construction is new (such as a room addition), a reappraisal is required.
  If the construction is a replacement (such as a new roof), an appraisal is not required.

• In appraising new construction, the market value of the new construction is determined and
  added to the value of the existing property.

• The base value of the existing property does not change.

• As with a change in ownership, the property owner is then notified of the new
  assessment and has the right to appeal the value.

SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT

• The accelerated property tax law requires the Office of Assessor to appraise property
  as of the date of change in ownership or completion of new construction.

• The Office of Assessor must issue a supplemental assessment which reflects the difference between the prior assessed value and the new assessed value.

• This value is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the current tax year, ending June 30.

• This is in addition to the regular tax bill.

• Notices of the supplemental assessments are mailed out to property owners prior to the issuance of tax bills, and may be appealed.

BUSINESS PROPERTY

• Unlike real property, business property is appraised annually.

• The owners of businesses must file a property statement every year detailing costs of supplies,
  equipment, and fixtures for each location owned.

• Property statement forms are mailed each year.

• This annual statement is required unless the property qualifies for direct assessment.

• Business inventory is exempt from taxation.

• For more information, call (909) 387-6666.

MARINE AND AIRCRAFT

• Boats and aircraft are subject to annual appraisal.

• Their value is determined by reviewing the purchase price and the sales of comparable boats and aircraft.

• Information on their location and ownership is obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the United States Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration and onsite inspections.

• For more information, call (909) 387-6666.