Decline in Value
6130 Elton Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89107
ph: 702 820 2799
fax: 702 820 2796
question
What we do is make sure that you only pay taxes on the fair, and current value of your property, as defined by the California State Revenue and Taxation Code.
Your property is assigned an assessed value as of January 1st each year, in California. You pay your property taxes based on this assessment, in 2 installments.
The County Assessors Office, in your county, determines the assessed property value using a "New Base Value" or an "Adjusted Base Value".
They must follow the rules of the R & T Code:
"A property’s original base value is its 1975-76 market value. A new base value is set by reappraisal whenever there is a change in ownership or new construction. Except for change in ownership or new construction, the base value is increased by 2% per year (or less if the California Consumer Price Index is less than 2%)".
However, in any given year the Adjusted Base Value may not truly reflect the current market value of your specific property, especially when real property values are declining!
The California CPI may remain flat or even rise while the current market value of your property declines, 5%, 10%, 20% or more. Some owners may actually see an increase in taxes, while others get reductions, because all properties have not gained or lost value at the same rate.
The County Assessors Office does not, and cannot, reappraise every property every year. They use a "Mass Appraisal" model.
And that is the key. All properties have not gained or lost value at the same rate!
What we do is preliminary research and an evaluation on your specific property, to determine it's current market value as defined by the R & T Code, and determine if you are a candidate for a property tax reduction.
If we determine that your property is fairly assessed, you pay nothing, and you have lost nothing.
If we determine that an assessment appeal is in order, you still pay nothing.
All we need to start is a signed Agent Authorization and Fee Agreement. With your signed Agency Agreement we can negotiate in your behalf. We will supply and complete the appeal form based on our analysis, however we will need your original signature in most counties. If your property produces income (commercial, rental), we will need a copy of the rent roll and expense information.
Assessment appeals must be filed between July 2nd and Sept 15th of the year that is being appealed. It can be a long process. The R & T Code allows the County Assessors Office up to 2 years to hear your case, and it can take that long. (Always pay your taxes on time; most reductions will come in the form of a refund or rebate)
Once the appeal is filed, we contact and negotiate with the County Assessors Office, provide documentation for our claims, and attend all hearings in your behalf. Which may include, a hearing in front of a Hearing Officer, and/or hearing with the County Assessment Board, and in some cases the State Board of Equalization.
Sure.
If you had the information needed, knowledge, and time, you could do this yourself.
And if you have read everything to this point, you already know more about your property taxes and property tax appeals than 90% of the Californian's that don't work for the County Assessor!
However the County Assessors Office will appear with experts in their behalf, and if your money is important to you, you should too!
We are experts. We have the information, knowledge, time and experience, but we cannot guarantee a reduction in your taxes, no one can.
But if Decline in Value cannot reduce your tax liability, there is NO charge!
That is our guarantee! It's in our Fee Agreement!
If we don't reduce your taxes, you pay nothing!
Decline in Value and DECLINE-IN-VALUE, INC are private entities and
are not affiliated with any State, County or Local government agencies.
DECLINE-IN-VALUE, INC. All rights reserved.
Decline in Value
6130 Elton Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89107
ph: 702 820 2799
fax: 702 820 2796
question