Property tax relief available for property owners affected by the Mountain Fire

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

VENTURA, Calif. – Property owners whose property was physically damaged by the Mountain Fire and sustained losses over $10,000 may be eligible for property tax relief. Through services offered by the Ventura County Assessor’s Office, property owners can work with the office to adjust their property’s current assessment to reflect the damage incurred by the fire and reduce their current year property taxes.

The Assessor’s Office is actively working to compile information on all properties that may have sustained damage and, if identified, will process disaster relief without an application from the property owner. However, property owners may still submit an application for a reassessment due to disaster relief.

The team with the Assessor’s Office is available to assist with any questions property owners may have. There are a number of ways residents can get in touch with staff for more information:

On-site:
Local Assistance Center
Ventura County Office of Education
5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo

Via phone:
(805) 654-2181

Website:
Assessor.CountyofVentura.org

E-mail:
Assessor.Info@Ventura.org

This is a challenging time, and the County of Ventura is committed to supporting those affected by the Mountain Fire. Residents are encouraged to reach out if they think they may qualify for property tax relief and would like confirmation.

For additional information and recovery resources for the Mountain Fire, please visit: www.vcrecovers.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the disaster relief affect my property tax bill?

The current property taxes will be reduced for that portion of the property that was damaged or destroyed. This reduction will be effective from the date of the damage and will remain in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired.

When my property is rebuilt or repaired following the damage, will my property taxes be increased over what they were before?

No. Property owners will retain their previous factored base year value if the property is rebuilt in a like or similar manner, regardless of the actual cost of construction. However, any new square footage or extras, such as additional baths, will be added to the base year value at its full market value.

How do I know the amount of property taxes to be refunded if my house was partially destroyed by a fire?

The Assessor’s Office will determine the market value of your house before and after the damage. The percentage of the loss will be applied to the assessed value of your house, and a refund will be issued.

What if I disagree with the value as determined by my county assessor’s office?

If you disagree with the value established by the County Assessor’s Office, you may file an appeal within six months of the notification of proposed values.