Property taxes can be confusing and sometimes it takes the Los Angeles County tax assessor “awhile” to update billing information; often the new home buyer won’t receive the bill as it was mailed to the former owner. 

Successful Realtors are always busy; part of our job is to keep past clients informed about their real estate purchase.  This week Lisa and I will be contacting our clients who have purchased real estate this year.  For those who purchased prior to July 1, property taxes should have been paid through escrow, however these buyers will still be liable for a supplemental tax bill. The supplemental assessment reflects the difference between our client's purchase price and the former owner's assessed value.



Even in the event that the lender impounds the property taxes, the supplemental bill is the new buyer's responsibility.  If after six months of home ownership, you have not received a supplemental bill, you should contact the tax collector's office.  The silver lining in this economic downturn is that more home buyers are receiving a supplemental tax refund as their home was purchased for less than the assessed value. If you are a new Los Angeles home buyer check out the supplemental tax estimator. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Los Angles County tax assessor. Their telephone number is (213) 974-2111.