Why Pay When It's Free

The Assessor’s Office provides these and many other services, free of charge, and often through a simple, on-line application process. Contact the Assessor’s Office before signing a contract or sending money.

Proposition 13 established the concepts of a base year value for property tax assessments, and limitations on the tax rate and assessment increase for real property. Passed by voters in June 1978, Prop 13 is an amendment to the California Constitution

R & T Code 73, Assembly Bill 1451 (Ch. 538, Stats. 2008)

The property tax incentive for the installation of an active solar energy system is in the form of a new construction exclusion. Therefore, the installation of a qualifying solar energy system will not result in either an increase or a decrease in the assessment of the existing property.

Assessment Reduction

Under California Constitution Article XIII A (Proposition 13) real property is reappraised only when a change in ownership occurs, or when new construction takes place.

Change in Ownership

What constitutes a change in ownership? Are there any exclusions from the reassessment?

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