What law enables me to appeal my current years assessed value?
The California Revenue and Taxation Code (Proposition 8) allows the Assessor to lower the assessed value of any real property if it is higher than the current market value as of the January 1 lien date. If comparable current market data information would indicate a decline in the value of your property by comparison to the current assessment, you would be entitled to a reduction in your property taxes.

Who is the Assessment Appeals Board?
This is a Board established by the Board of Supervisors to decide on value opinion differences between the Assessor and the property owner. Matax Consulting will present your case to the Assessment Appeals Board on your behalf using our various methods.

What happens if the Assessment Appeals Board decides in our favor?
If all taxes are paid current, the Auditor-Controller will issue a refund for overpayment of taxes for the tax year appealed.

What happens if the Assessment Appeals Board denies our appeal?
Your taxes would remain the same for the filing year. We will file an appeal for the following tax year to seek a reduction.

How much can the Assessor raise my property taxes each year?
Under California law, Proposition 13 allows the Assessor to raise the assessed value of your property 2% each year. Any structural improvements would be added to the current assessment based on the cost of the improvements.

What is the difference between a "Base Value Appeal" and a "Proposition 8 Decline-in-value Appeal"?
A Base Value reduction is a permanent reduction in your assessed value. This type of appeal is filed if the property owner thinks he/she overpaid on the purchase price. A bidding war could have led the buyers to pay more than the listing price. Other possible reasons for filing a "Base Value Appeal" could include problems with the property that were not properly disclosed to the buyer at the time of purchase.
A "Proposition 8 Decline-in-value Appeal" is a temporary reduction based on changes in market conditions. Typically, the Assessor reviews these values on an annual basis.

Can the Assessor raise my assessed value once I get a reduction?
The Assessor cannot raise a Base Value reduction. The Assessor can raise a Proposition 8 reduction only if the comparable market data can support a restoration in Assessed values. In no event can the assessed value be raised beyond the original value plus 2% annual adjustments.

What types of properties can an appeal be made on?
With the current market situation, commercial properties including retail, office, industrial, hotel, and apartments can be affected. Also, residential properties are greatly affected. MATAX Consulting welcomes the opportunity to evaluate your annual assessment at no cost.

How much of my time and/or my staff's time does this process require?
Anywhere from 3-5% of the total process time. Most of the work is done by us here at the offices of Matax Consulting.

Will this process raise any red flags to the assessor's office?
No. We will do a thorough analysis before presenting anything to the Appeals Board. Property tax payers are also protected by Proposition 13 which limits the annual increase in the assessed value at 2%.

Will I be kept abreast any updates/progress?
As a client, you are our #1 interest. We will always keep you informed on your case.

How long does this process take?
Matax Consulting is mandated by county actions and all properties present different issues. Therefore, appeals can take anywhere from 6 months to two years. We are consistently working on your case in efforts to successfully appeal in the quickest time possible.