Property tax relief available

County Assessor Gregory J. Smith reminds property owners that tax relief is available if their property’s market value as of January 1, 2006, has fallen below its assessed value. The “assessed value” is shown in the upper righthand corner of their current 2006-2007 tax bill.

Property owners who believe their property is over-assessed must file an Assessment Appeals Application form with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors’ office no later than November 30. There is no fee for this service and the appeal forms can be obtained by calling their office at (619) 531-5777 or going online at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cob/aab.

Smith wishes to alert the public that numerous private businesses and individuals are currently mailing solicitations and calling property owners offering property tax reduction services for a substantial fee. While property owners are certainly at liberty to use these private companies, they can apply for this reduction themselves at absolutely no cost by filing the necessary application form themselves.

For more information about a property assessment, contact the County Assessor’s office at (858) 505-6262.