Frequently Asked Questions

What is a property tax assessment?

A property tax assessment is the value assigned to a property by a local tax assessor for the purpose of calculating property taxes. The assessment is typically based on factors such as the property's location, size, condition, improvements, and market value. Local governments use the assessed value to determine how much property tax a homeowner should pay.

Because assessments may not always reflect current market conditions or property characteristics accurately, property owners should review their assessment notices carefully to ensure the valuation is fair and accurate. If discrepancies are identified, property owners may have the right to request a review or file an appeal.

What is Proposition 8 (Prop 8)?

Proposition 8 is a California property tax law that allows a property's assessed value to be temporarily reduced when its market value falls below its Proposition 13 adjusted taxable value. This reduction can occur during periods of declining real estate markets or when a property's value is negatively affected by physical damage, economic conditions, or other factors.

If a county assessor determines that the current market value of a property is lower than its Proposition 13 value as of January 1 (the lien date), the assessed value may be reduced under Prop 8, resulting in lower property taxes. Once market values recover, the assessed value may increase annually until it reaches, but does not exceed, the property's Proposition 13 factored base-year value.

Property owners who believe their property's market value is lower than its assessed value may be eligible to request a Prop 8 review or appeal and provide evidence supporting a lower valuation.

What does the appeal process look like?

The property tax appeal process typically begins with an informal review of your property's assessed value. Our team uses our database to gather evidence—such as recent comparable home sales, an independent appraisal, or documentation of property conditions—that may support a lower valuation.

If the issue cannot be resolved informally, a formal appeal may be filed with the local assessment appeals board within the applicable filing period. During the appeal, we present evidence demonstrating that the property's market value as of the valuation date was lower than the assessed value. The assessor's office may also present evidence supporting its valuation.

After reviewing the information provided by both sides, the appeals board will issue a decision. If the board determines that the assessed value exceeds the property's market value, the assessment may be reduced, which could result in lower property taxes and a refund of any overpaid taxes.

Our team helps property owners evaluate whether an appeal may be warranted, gather supporting evidence, and navigate the process with confidence.

How long does the appeal process take?

The length of the property tax appeal process varies by county and the complexity of the appeal. In many cases, an informal review by the assessor's office can be completed within a few weeks. If a formal appeal is required, the process may take several months, as appeals are reviewed by an independent assessment appeals board and often involve scheduling a hearing.

While waiting for a decision, property owners are generally required to pay their property taxes as billed. If the appeal is successful, any overpaid taxes may be refunded or credited by the county.

Our team helps streamline the process by preparing supporting evidence, monitoring deadlines, and working to present the strongest possible case for a reduction in assessed value.

What do you charge for your service?

We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost to have your property reviewed. We only earn a fee if we successfully help reduce your property's assessed value and generate property tax savings.

Our fee is a percentage of the first year's tax savings resulting from the assessment reduction. If no reduction is achieved, you owe nothing.

This approach aligns our interests with yours—we succeed only when you do. Before moving forward, we provide a clear engagement agreement that explains all fees and terms so there are no surprises.

No Reduction. No Savings. No Fee.