Here we go again! My last article examined Proposition 19, one of the measures on the November 2020 ballot that seeks to modify Proposition 13, California’s sui generis real property tax law. My current article takes a look at Proposition 15, which would, if passed by the voters, establish the “split roll” that has long been sought by local government advocates looking to … [Read more...] about Prop. 15: Time to switch off the “third rail” of California politics?
Property Taxes
Prop. 19: Making your assessed value more “portable,” but with a nasty twist
California’s unique real property tax system has been a regular feature in my blog since its beginnings. In particular, the intricacies of Proposition 13 and the adjustments that have been made to that pioneering program over the years have invited a significant amount of focus. As we approach the November 2020 election and the ballot measures to be voted on this year, I … [Read more...] about Prop. 19: Making your assessed value more “portable,” but with a nasty twist
Proposition 5—Realtors’ property tax “portability” initiative—to be decided on the November ballot
California’s seemingly endless housing crisis continues to make national, state and local headlines. This topic has appeared regularly in this blog from time to time over the last few years. Some months back, I reported that the California Association of Realtors (“CAR”) would be seeking to put an initiative on the November 2018 ballot intended to, inter alia, help increase the … [Read more...] about Proposition 5—Realtors’ property tax “portability” initiative—to be decided on the November ballot
Temporary property tax relief available for victims of California’s winter storms
Thus far this season, California has been hit hard by the elements, as many of you are likely too well aware, as torrential precipitation has dumped an overwhelming amount of water on both the northern and southern portions of the state. While these ordeals have made our five-year drought seem like a distant memory, they have also wreaked havoc on many of us. The enormity of … [Read more...] about Temporary property tax relief available for victims of California’s winter storms
Bypassing reassessments and transfer taxes
In recent years, I have noticed a couple of related trends in my real estate law practice with regard to transfer taxes and property tax reassessments. First, county tax assessor’s offices and recorder’s offices have become more aggressive with the transfers they characterize as taxable events, in an apparent effort to augment their counties’ bottom lines. Second, in a clear … [Read more...] about Bypassing reassessments and transfer taxes