Los Angeles Property Tax Reassessment Scams
Every turn in the economy brings a new scam. My client received this very official looking notice to have his property taxes reassessed, fortunately he was smart enough to call me prior to mailing in the $179 fee. 
As my client has owned his home for decades his property taxes are very low. As a matter of fact his La Crescenta home is assessed at $211,790. In order for him to qualify for a reduction in value he must be able to prove to the assessor that his home is worth less than the $211,790 assessed value. Property values have decreased, but his value is not less than his assessed value, therefore the assessor will not grant him a reduction. Quite simply: no reduction (below the assessed value), no reassessment, no need for forms or fees.
There are a variety of scammers sending these official looking notices out and soliciting fees ranging from about $80.00 to more than $200.00 to file a homeowner's request for a review of their property’s assessed value for the current tax year, presumably to obtain a lower tax bill on a lower valuation.
FACT: homeowners can request a reassessment of the value of their property at any time and do so directly with the County Assessor’s office – for free. Contact the Realtor which sold you the home or the tax assessor’s office for further information.
Need Additional information? READ: Los Angeles Real Estate Blog previous post regarding How to get your property taxes lowered based on a decline in value
Categories: All about Money, Homeowner's Benefits and Woes, TAXES, La Crescenta
I have received many similar scams and am quite tired of receiving them. Another different but related issue to be aware of is that the Tax Assessor has a tendancy to miscalculate increases and even original assessments of property taxes. Never take their assessment for granted. With that said a great piece of advice for clients who bought at the top of the market is to file a decline in value form with the city to temporarily reduce your property taxes based on todays values. this is easy to do and can save you a lot of money.
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This is great information. Problem is, the blog doesn't explain how to file for the reassessment. Still, kudos to Phyllis! Keep up the good work.
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I think you missed the link in my post:
"FACT: homeowners can request a reassessment of the value of their property at any time and do so directly with the County Assessor’s office – for free. Contact the Realtor which sold you the home or the tax assessor’s office for further information."
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This site and info is very helpful. I recieved the same scam. Thanks for this info.
Tim
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What can I do if I already send the check for 179.00?
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Other than cancelling the check, I really don't know.
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I was just thinking about Los Angeles Property Tax Reassessment Scams and you've really helped out. Thanks!
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Advice people to beware of HOMEOWNER PROPERTY REVIEW BOARD TAX REDUCTION REVIEW DIVISION
P.O.BOX 41558 LA.CA 90045.
A WELL ORGANIZED SCAM
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i've had this scam a few times. the 1st time i actually was about to send a check till a collegue schooled me on the scam.
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I reckon these property tax scams must have worked one way or another, otherwise it wouldn’t continue to run so rampantly.
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