Below are a list of Frequently Asked Questions we’ve put together to help you understand the taxation and representation process.
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 below:
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Q: Who is CaPTA (California Property Tax Associates) - and how can you reduce my property taxes?
A: California Property Tax Associates is a California Partnership that specializes in real estate property tax consulting 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 public 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 for California Property owners 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 property tax assessment process.
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 handle the rest. Whatever it takes, we do all the work to see that your property is fairly assessed. And you pay nothing unless you receive documentation of the assessment reduction. NO SAVINGS, NO FEE.
Q: What is your fee?
A: At California Property Tax Associates we work entirely on a contingency basis; if we don’t obtain for you property tax savings, credits or refunds you pay us nothing! If we are successful our fee is simply a portion of your savings.
Q: Do I pay you every year I save the money?
A: No. Our fee is based on the documented tax savings in the first full fiscal year. If we are successful in getting prior year(s) savings, credits or refunds we would also share in that, although generally you lose your right once filing deadlines pass for previous years. Please call us for further details as there are certain differences county to county.
Q: Is there a fee if you don’t reduce my taxes?
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 are successfully reduced and you have documentation notifying you of such.
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 that will 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 the answer 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.
Q: Will someone come out to inspect my property?
A: 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 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 for further reductions.
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