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Property Tax Relief After the Fires


As I write this article, the Palisades Fire is still raging. I am hearing from so many of our clients and friends who have lost their homes. We've seen pictures of the devastation, but many are still waiting to know if their home was burned or spared. I want to express my sorrow to all of the fire victims.

In the aftermath, while people are sorting out insurance, living arrangements, replacing essentials, and trying to move forward, April 10 property tax payments are around the corner. The rare, good news amidst all the loss is there may be tax relief available.

Under California law, if your property was damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire (or Eaton Fire or other declared disaster), you may apply to the County Assessor to have the assessed value of your property reappraised. Property taxes would be reduced to reflect the damaged condition of your property. To qualify you must file a claim with the County Assessor within 12 months. The claim is made by filing the Assessor's Form: "Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity" (Form ADS-820). The form is available on the Los Angeles County Assessor's website assessor.lacounty.gov

Another bit of relief is possible deferral of your property tax payment. If you pay your property taxes directly, not through an impound account, you can request deferral of your property tax payment by filing Form ADS-820.3 "Property Tax Installment Deferral Application – Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity," also available from the Los Angeles County Assessor's website.

The home page of the Los Angeles County Assessor's website now has a link for Disaster Relief. There are Fact Sheets, forms, and a tab with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). By the time this article is published, I expect there to be much more information and guidance available for property tax relief. If you are a victim of the fires, I hope this is helpful to get you started.


Planning Ahead Column

By Lisa C. Alexander, Esq.

JAKLE, ALEXANDER & PATTON, LLP

Direct Line: 310-656-4310

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