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The Los Angeles County Assessment Officer’s office warns wildfire victims that they may have missed significant tax cuts or refund checks with invalid addresses.
Officials said Tuesday that while many property owners have already received low property tax bills or partial refunds through the state disaster relief program, hundreds of checks and notices of those checks and notices are currently being returned to the county as the mailing addresses listed are no longer valid.
“In many cases, the original property, and the mailing address recorded thereby, was destroyed by a wildfire,” the evaluator’s office said.
“Saving the hands of wildfire victims is a top priority for our office,” said county assessor Jeff Plan. “However, they need their help in updating their contact information, so that the relief can reach them without delay.”
After the fire, the assessor’s office says it took an aggressive approach in checking damages in all areas included in the official disaster declaration. All properties whose owner did not submit documents receive lower property values if damage is found.
Lower property values can lower taxes for homeowners, and in many cases, they get tax refunds.
Maggie Jay, left, Business Office Manager at the Terrace of Park Marino Support Facility walks past damage to the facility from Etonfire with colleagues in Pasadena, California on Monday, January 13, 2025 (AP Photo/Crispizzello)
Homeowners whose property has been affected may have already received notice of changes in value that has been valued. This is a letter explaining that the damage caused a temporary reduction in the taxable value of the property. This will significantly reduce property tax bills until the home is repaired or rebuilt, officials said.
However, to obtain a refund check or future notice without delay, the homeowner must ensure that the current mailing address has been filed with the county.
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The evaluator’s office emphasizes that changing the address does not change the location of the property, but ensures that important documents and refunds are delivered to places where the owner can actually receive them.
“We understand how catastrophic these fires are and are committed to ensuring that affected property owners receive qualified support,” Plan said.
Los Angeles County homeowners can visit the county evaluators’ website and update their mailing address. Click here for more information on wildfire-related tax cuts.
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