FAQs
Below are a list of California property tax value reduction FAQs we’ve put together to help you understand the taxation and representation process from county to county. Property tax assessment reduction of commercial property as well as residential property does vary; please call us for questions specific to a particular county.
If you still have questions after reviewing this page and our CAPTA website, please do not hesitate to call us at (888) 678-9TAX or use the form at the bottom of this page.
Q: Who is CAPTA (California Property Tax Associates) – and how can you reduce my property taxes in my county?
A: California Property Tax Associates is a California Partnership that specializes in real estate property tax reduction throughout the State of California. For each Client we represent we apply an organized process for compiling and analyzing available data. This includes researching the County property tax records for each individual property, examining recent sales of similar properties in the vicinity of the subject and performing a comparable valuation analysis. This is different than a normal appraisal in that we determine a property’s value based upon the provisions of the Revenue and Taxation Code; it doesn’t necessarily matter what you paid to buy or build your property or what you think the value is.
One of our partners began performing these services representing California Property tax payers in 1989. Throughout the 1990’s the focus was primarily on large commercial projects and land developments as well as upscale residential properties. We saved thousands and thousands of Californians many millions of dollars in over-assessed property taxes. Our results then, like now were based on employing a highly skilled staff, access to extensive industry information, and a clear understanding of the California property tax assessment process.
Q: We have a very complicated property of great value. Is your company capable of handling such a unique property?
A: Precisely our forte. As previously stated we are a company that thinks outside the box. We research your property and use our experience to develop the best strategy allowed by law. We have more time than the assessor’s office gives their appraisers, and more experience than many of our adversaries in the assessor’s office.
Q: Is your company successful in reducing property taxes in California?
A: The simple answer is, extraordinarily! Again, we are a company that thinks outside the box. Each county knows our agents and consultants will fight for the reduction they believe is due. As we go before the assessment appeals board County by County, we have earned a reputation as aggressive and knowledgeable adversaries. It is for this reason we frequently negotiate informally with the appraisers at the assessor’s office. It is this experience and expertise that provides you with the best possible representation.
Q: Can you tell me basically what the process is in receiving a property tax savings, credit or refund in my county?
A: County by county the rules are somewhat different. Depending on where your property is located and the procedures in place at the assessor’s office in that county the process could take anywhere from a few months to in excess of two years. We will attempt to handle your case informally without the need to file the formal appeal. Once the filing of the formal appeal takes place the county has two years to hear the case before the county assessment appeals board. Frequently negotiations continue during this process. You can rest assured that we will do our best to secure your property reduction as quickly as possible.
Q: Others claim to be able to do the same thing as you do for less money. Why shouldn’t I use them?
A: Maybe you should. If you own a single family residential home in a tract neighborhood you should at least try it yourself if you have the time. If you are successful, great! If not, if you think there’s more there that you didn’t receive come back and let us try on your behalf.
If you own a custom home of greater value or commercial property you owe it to yourself to hire a professional. While some have had success doing it on their own we have been witness to hundreds at the county assessment appeals board hearings who never got what they deserved because they didn’t understand the system. The system is fraught with difficulties as identified by an attorney who wrote this article for the California Property Tax Payers Association.
Q: If you are hired to help me, what do I have to do?
A: Almost Nothing!!! Once we discuss your property characteristics with you, we will represents you as needed to obtain a reduction in the assessed value of your property. Whatever it takes, we do all the work to see that your property is fairly assessed, even preparing the case and appealing all the way to the California Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board. And you pay nothing unless you receive documentation of the assessment reduction. NO SAVINGS, NO FEE.
Q: Are you one of those companies I read about scamming people?
A: No. In fact, we are on those websites giving links to our do-it-yourself pages. We do however take exception to being lumped in with a few bad people who are trying to mislead the elderly into paying a few hundred dollars they can’t afford to pay. As previously stated our clients are primarily well-to-do and professionals with no time to learn the system of property tax reduction in California. We are no more a scam company than H&R Block who does income taxes for people who could easily do them themselves, or Jiffy Lube changing oil for people perfectly capable of changing their own oil. They just choose not to get their hands dirty or don’t want to go buy the right tools. We are no different. Again, many of our Clients are attorneys.
Q: What is your fee?
A: At California Property Tax Associates we work entirely on a contingency basis; if you don’t receive a property tax savings, credit or refund you pay us nothing! Otherwise, our fee is simply a portion of your savings. No savings; no fee! Click the “Fee” button above to read our simple one page contract.
Q: Do I pay you every year I save the money?
A: No. Our fee is based on the documented property tax savings in the first full fiscal year. If you receive a prior year(s) savings, credit or refund we would also share in that, although generally you lose your right once filing deadlines pass for previous years. Only if you receive a further reduction in subsequent years do you pay us for the additional reduction. Please call us for further details as there are certain differences county to county.
Q: Is there a fee if my taxes aren’t reduced?
A: Absolutely NOT!!! There are no hidden fees, no up front costs, no cash out of pocket. You pay absolutely nothing until your property taxes have been reduced and you have documentation notifying you of your properties assessed value reduction.
Q: If you challenge my assessed value, can’t the County reverse itself and raise my property taxes?
A: No. Under normal circumstances the County cannot raise your value above the “Base Year” value, except by increasing it up to 2% per year, pursuant to the provisions of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Q: Should I hire you or should I do it myself?
A: Self-representation is always an option. The difference in hiring California Property Tax Associates is that you will have a team of full-time professionals with a clear understanding of the property tax appeal process along with our industry specific databases of valuable information that, when used together will ensure an aggressive strategy to obtain the maximum property tax reduction and greatest savings for you, our Client.
Q: If I have an appeal pending do I have to pay my taxes?
A: We all know the answer to this one; unfortunately it is yes. If your taxes are not kept current, you will be responsible for interest and penalties. Once an appeal is successful you will receive a refund for the difference for what you paid and what you should have paid, based on the reduced value granted in the appeal.
Q: Will someone come out to inspect my property?
A: It is possible but probably not. Most counties have their hands full with thousands of appeals each year and they typically will rely on public records to make their case. Mostly, in preparation for a hearing, an associate of California Property Tax Associates may have to visit and inspect your property. At all times we will be discreet with the information we collect.
Q. Is the Assessor limited to raising my County property taxes by 2% after a reduction?
A: No. Just as your reduction is not limited, neither is the amount that property taxes can be restored to, up to the factored Proposition 13 base year value. This means that when the values begin to rise, your assessed value may rise again. But never more then they would have been had we have not achieved the reduction.
Q. Once my reduction has been granted for the current year will I then have to repeat the process every year?
A: California Property Tax Associates will review the data in each year concerning your property. We will ensure that your value is at its lowest each year and if necessary, go back and file an assessment appeal for further reductions.
Q. Can’t I do it myself?
A: Absolutely! But, you should first read: WHY TAXPAYERS HATE THE PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM.
Comments or questions are welcome.
