{"id":126,"date":"2020-05-21T00:24:59","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T00:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acassessor.org\/?page_id=126"},"modified":"2026-04-13T19:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T19:07:09","slug":"understanding-property-assessment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.acassessor.org\/es\/homeowners\/understanding-property-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Property Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n[et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”4.27.5″ body_font=”||||on||||” body_text_color=”#0a4a8a” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

Understanding Property Assessment<\/h1>\n

The Property Tax System<\/h2>\n

The Assessor, Auditor-Controller, and the Treasurer-Tax Collector all play distinct roles in the property tax system. Below is a brief description of how these County departments interrelate.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

The Assessor<\/h3>\n

The County Assessor determines the assessed value of all taxable property within the county, maintaining records and establishing assessed values as of January 1 each year (the lien date).<\/p>\n

The Auditor-Controller<\/h3>\n

The Auditor-Controller applies tax rates to assessed values to compute taxes owed, extends the tax roll, and apportions tax revenues to taxing agencies (cities, schools, special districts, etc.).<\/p>\n

The Treasurer-Tax Collector<\/h3>\n

The Treasurer-Tax Collector mails property tax bills and collects payments. The first installment is due November 1 (delinquent after December 10). The second installment is due February 1 (delinquent after April 10).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/New-Prpoerty-Tax-System.png” alt=”Property Tax System Flowchart” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image]\n[et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]\n

Proposition 13<\/h2>\n

Proposition 13 was passed by California voters on June 6, 1978, amending the California Constitution to limit the assessment and taxation of property.<\/p>\n

Assessment Limits<\/h3>\n

Real property is assessed at its 1975-76 base year level and cannot increase by more than 2% annually. It is reassessed at current fair market value when a change in ownership occurs or new construction is completed.<\/p>\n

Tax Rate Limits<\/h3>\n

Property taxes are limited to 1% of taxable value, plus any voter-approved bonded indebtedness, service fees, improvement bonds, and special assessments.<\/p>\n

Proposition 8 (Decline in Value)<\/h3>\n

The Assessor must assess real property at the lesser of its Prop 13 level or current market value as of January 1. If assessed at the lower market value, the Prop 13 assessment must be restored when market value recovers.<\/p>\n

Business Personal Property<\/h3>\n

Business personal property is assessed at fair market value as of January 1 each year, not subject to the Prop 13 base year value system.<\/p>\n

Why Assessed Value May Increase More Than 2%<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Assessor annually enrolls either a property’s Prop 13 value (factored by no more than 2%) or its current market value on January 1, whichever is less.<\/span><\/p>\n

Proposition 8 Restoration<\/span><\/h3>\n

Prop 8 assessments are temporary<\/strong> reductions. As the market recovers, values are increased back to the Prop 13 level. These increases are not subject to the 2% limitation<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Reasons<\/span><\/h3>\n