LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Assessor Warns Property Owners of Solicitations
The Los Angeles County assessor warned property owners Tuesday not to be fooled by private companies charging for tax adjustment services that the assessor’s office provides for free.
“Once again private companies are soliciting fees from taxpayers whose property has experienced a decline in value,” said Assessor Kenneth P. Hahn.
“They employ official looking forms with official sounding names to mislead taxpayers into believing they are dealing with a governmental agency,” he said.
Under the provisions of Proposition 8, passed in 1978, property owners are eligible to file an application for property tax reduction if their property is worth less than when they purchased it.
The companies offer to file the applications on behalf of property owners for a fee. But Hahn said property owners can fill out a simple form and file the applications for free themselves.
For example, one flyer informed a property owner of a potential tax savings of $875 if the person used the service. The fee for the company’s service was $88.50. Applications for a decline in value reassessment are available at all assessor regional offices or by calling (213) 974-3211.
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