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Has Your Los Angeles Property Suffered Damage from a Fire or Natural Disaster? Here's the Help You Need
If your property in Los Angeles County was damaged or destroyed by a fire, earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster, you may qualify for a tax relief that temporarily reduces your property taxes. In addition, thanks to the Proposition 19, you could transfer your property's tax basis to a new one if you decide to move.
He Los Angeles County Assessor offers two types of tax relief for property owners affected by disasters:
- Reassessment of Property Value due to Disasters or Calamities (Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief)
- Transfer of Taxable Value under Proposition 19 (Prop 19 Disaster Relief Transfer of Base Value)
Below I explain to you How these benefits work, who can apply for them and what steps you must follow to make your claim.
1. Los Angeles Disaster and Calamity Tax Relief
If your home or property suffered significant damage, you may qualify for a temporary reduction in property value, which would reduce the amount of taxes payable.
🔹 Who can qualify?
- Owners whose property has suffered damage or destruction due to a calamity such as fires, earthquakes or floods.
- The damage must be at least $10,000 in loss of market value.
🔹 What should you do to request this relief?
You must submit a Request for Reassessment for Damage or Destruction of Property (Form ADS-820) within the 12 months after the disaster.
📌 Download the form here ➡️
https://res.cloudinary.com/los-angeles-county-assessor/image/upload/v1621576735/Form/ADS-820.2.pdf
📌 File it at the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office ➡️
https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
What happens after I apply?
Once the Advisor approve your requestthe Auditor-Controller (AC) will adjust the tax registry and the Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC) will issue a adjusted tax bill reflecting the new value of your property.
- The new tax bill will reflect the reassessment made by the Assessor.
- The amount to be paid could be younger than the original tax notice sent in October.
- This Adjusted invoice can be paid in two installments:
- The first installment is due at the end of the following month as of the date of issue of the invoice.
- The second installment is due Four months later.
📌 If you need more information or assistance, please contact the Department of Calamities and Disasters:
🌎 Website: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
📩 E-mail: relief@assessor.lacounty.gov
📞 Phone (213) 974-8658
2. How to Determine If Your Property Qualifies for Tax Relief?
🔹 What is considered “harm” for tax relief purposes?
If the loss of market value is at least $10,000, you may qualify. If you are unsure of the extent of the damage, It is advisable to submit the application anyway.
🔹 How does this affect my tax payment?
If you are a homeowner and pay your taxes directly (without an escrow account with a lender), you could defer tax payments without penalties.
🔹 What happens if I buy the property after the disaster?
If you acquired the property after January 1 of the year following the disaster, you can still file a claim If you are responsible for paying taxes in the following tax year (July 1 – June 30).
📌 More information here ➡️ https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
3. Proposition 19: Transfer of Tax Value to Other Property
If your property was severely damaged by a disaster declared by the Governor of California, can transfer its tax value to another property within the same county or in another county in the state.
🔹 What does Prop 19 allow?
- Buying a new home after your property was destroyed and transfer the tax basis of the original property to it.
- Even if the new property is of greater value, you can transfer the tax base with an adjustment based on the difference in values.
- Applies to officially declared natural disasters, as fires, earthquakes, storms, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, civil unrest and foreign invasions.
📌 Download the form to request tax transfer here ➡️
https://res.cloudinary.com/los-angeles-county-assessor/image/upload/v1622785296/Form/BOE-19-V.pdf
📌 More information about Prop 19 here ➡️
https://assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/proposition-19
4. Other Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 How do I change my mailing address after a disaster?
If you need to update your address to receive official notifications, you can do so here:
📌 https://assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/change-mailing-address
🔹 How do I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your claim by contacting the Calamities and Disasters Unit:
📩 E-mail: relief@assessor.lacounty.gov
📞 Phone (213) 974-8658
🌎 Website: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/contact/assessor
📌 Where to obtain additional forms ➡️
https://assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/change-mailing-address
5. Next Steps: What Should You Do Now?
If your property has been affected by a fire or other natural disaster, Act fast to ensure you get the tax relief available.
✅ Step 1: Determine whether the damage exceeds the $10,000 in loss of market value.
✅ Step 2: Download and complete the Form ADS-820 for tax reassessment.
✅ Step 3: Submit the form within 12 months after the disaster.
✅ Step 4: If you plan to move, check if you can transfer the tax base of your property with the Proposition 19.
✅ Step 5: Contact the Los Angeles County Assessor if you have questions about your case.
📢 If your home was affected, take advantage of these resources to reduce your tax burden and facilitate your recovery.
🔗 More information on the Los Angeles Tax Assessor website:
https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
