Tax relief for fire damaged properties

If a property suffered damage of $10,000 or more as a result of the brush fires in Los Angeles County, the owner is eligible for a reduction in property taxes.

Once an application is filed, the property could be reappraised and the owner could receive a corrected tax bill or refund. The adjustment and proration of taxes will be based upon the reduction in value from the date of damage to the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2008.

An “Application for Reassessment of Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity” form is available on-line at the Los Angeles County Assessor’s website. The application must be filed within 12 months of the occurrence of the damage.

Property owners in the Malibu area with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s West District Office in Culver City at 310-665-5413.  Property owners in the North County area are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s North District Office in Sylmar at 818-833-6194.