Appraisals for Property Tax Assessment Appeals

Do You Think You are Paying too Much Property Tax?

If you are concerned that your Los Angeles County Property Tax bill is too high, you should first discuss your disagreement with the Assessor's Office.

If this does not resolve the matter to your satisfaction, you have the right to file an appeal with the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Assessment Appeals Board. A professional, independent, third-party real estate appraisal may be crucial in having your property tax reduction appeal approved.

Understanding the Appeals Process for Los Angeles County

There are four cases for an appeal:

1. Decline in Market Value Appeal
2. Base Year Value - change of owner or new construction improvement
3. Reassessment After Calamity - disagreement of your home's reassessed value as a result of a natural disaster or other calamity
4. Escape Assessment and Roll Changes - related to events that occurred in prior years but not discovered in a timely manner by assesor

Please Note: Each of these cases have their own filing deadlines, so be sure to check.

If your reason for concerns fits into one of cases, order a certified residential appraisal. It often makes sense for you to do your own preliminary research before hiring a professional appraiser. Be mindful that, according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), real estate appraisers are not allowed to take “shortcuts” — i.e., use your research as part of our independent evaluation. When you hire Hooks and Associates for a tax assessment appeal appraisal, you’re commissioning us as a neutral, independent, third-party to perform a professional real estate appraisal report.

If the certified appraisal supports your assertion, you can then file the application to change assessment and prepare for your hearing.

The appraiser should be present for the appeals committee to question, otherwise only the raw material in the appraisal can be considered as evidence, and the not the appraisal conclusion.

Learn More About Appealing Property Tax Assessment:

Residential Property Assessment Appeals: How to appeal the assessed value of resident properties - a guide for California property owners

Overview of Property Tax Appeal Process.
Prepared by the Taxpayer's Right Advocate Office and the State Board of Equalization.