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Property Tax Relief

October 25, 2007

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

FIRESTORM 2007

County Assessor Gregory J. Smith wishes to advise all property owners whose

property was damaged or destroyed during the recent firestorm that property tax relief

is available. This tax relief program requires the reassessment of the property

to reflect its damaged condition. The reduced value will remain in effect until such

time as the property is rebuilt or repaired.

More importantly, after the property is repaired or replaced, the owners

can retain their previous taxable value if the property is rebuilt in a like or

similar manner. This means that the property tax assessment will not be

increased beyond what it was prior to the fire.

This tax relief is available for any property damage including homes and structures,

businesses, groves, and mobilehomes paying property taxes. Damage to the contents

of a home such as furniture is not eligible for this tax relief because it was not taxable.

(See attached information sheet and calamity claim form).

According to Dan McAllister, County Treasurer/Tax Collector, property owners who

had their property damaged or destroyed AND who have filed a Calamity Application

with the Assessor’s Office will not have to pay their December 10

tax payment.

These payments will be deferred without penalties or interest until such time as the

Assessor’s Office has completed their review and an adjusted tax bill is mailed to you

from our office. You will then have 30 days from the date the adjusted tax bill is

mailed to you to pay the amount due.

Gregory Smith strongly encourages all property owners who suffered fire damage to

their property in excess of $10,000 to contact his office for the necessary claim form

for this property tax relief program. The claim form is also available on the

Assessor’s website at For further information, please call the

Assessor’s Main Office at (858) 505-6262, in East County at (619) 401-5700, in

North County at (760) 940-6868 and Chula Vista (619) 498-2200.

County Administration Center • 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 110 • San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 531-5507

visit our website at

Property Tax Relief