Tax Relief Available for Fire-Affected Property Owners in L.A. County
In the wake of the devastating fires sweeping across Los Angeles County, the Assessor’s Office is reaching out to property owners to raise awareness about critical property tax relief available under California’s Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) program. With initial reports suggesting over 10,000 properties damaged or destroyed, this program offers a vital lifeline to those affected.
Key Details of the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) Tax Relief Program:
- Eligibility: Properties (residential or commercial) must sustain damage exceeding $10,000 to qualify.
- Claim Deadline: A claim form must be filed with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months of the damage.
- Tax Adjustment: Upon approval, the property’s assessed value—the basis for property taxes—will be reduced to reflect the damage, effective the date of the incident. This reduction remains until the property is repaired, rebuilt, or changes ownership.
- Tax Deferral: For taxpayers paying property taxes directly (not through a mortgage lender’s impound account), filing a claim also allows coordination with the Treasurer and Tax Collector to defer current year property taxes without penalties.
Assistance for Property Owners:
The Assessor’s Office is committed to assisting fire-affected homeowners and businesses through every step of the process. Once claims are verified and approved, tax rolls will be updated, and the Auditor-Controller will recalculate taxes. Refunds will be issued for overpayments, or adjusted bills with revised due dates will be sent if taxes remain owed.
How You Can Help:
The Assessor’s Office is seeking support from local business associations and chambers of commerce to disseminate this vital information to property owners across the county. Accurate and timely communication can significantly ease the financial burden for those impacted by the fires. Associations are encouraged to share information on their websites, newsletters, and social media platforms to ensure maximum outreach.
Contact Information:
Property owners seeking assistance can visit https://assessor.lacounty.gov or call (213) 974-3211. Additional resources, including claim forms and detailed program guidelines, are available on the Assessor’s disaster page: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/disaster.
Support for Fire Victims Continues:
“While our immediate focus is on containment and safety, recovery is equally critical,” said the Los Angeles County Assessor. “The M&C program is a vital resource for reducing financial burdens as our community begins the rebuilding process. Together, we can ensure that fire victims receive the support they need.”
For more information, updates, and resources, please contact the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
