GAINES GAZETTE

July 2024

You're Invited: 2024 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing

All taxpayers and stakeholders are invited to the 2024 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to comment before the elected Members of the State Board of Equalization (BOE) on the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's current Annual Report or share suggestions, comments, or concerns on California's property tax system and the Alcoholic Beverage Tax. The BOE is responsible for property tax programs, the Alcoholic Beverage Tax, and Tax on Insurers.

Anyone can participate in person, by phone, or submit written comments in advance. Please refer to the Board Meetings page for details.

For more information, visit the BOE's Taxpayers' Rights Advocate webpage. The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office assists taxpayers with problems they have with the assessment or collection of property taxes, or with the Alcoholic Beverage Tax.

July Board Actions

During the July Board meeting, we discussed various tax program matters, including the adoption of the 2024 Private Railroad Car Roll and the 2024 State-Assessed Property Roll. We also discussed and took action on property tax legislation impacting the BOE.

I brought before the Board a proposal to hold a second informational hearing this fall on the insurance market and tax implications to follow up on the February 22, 2024, Informational Hearing: California’s Insurance Market. Member Vasquez also proposed holding an Informational Hearing on Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) Development and its property tax implications.

Finally, the Board received operational updates from the Executive Director; Chief Counsel; Communications Chief; Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office; Property Tax Department Deputy Director; and the Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

We are proud as a Board to meet our constitutional duties and remain committed to our mission to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments.

Property Tax Savings Info Sheet

Our Taxpayers' Rights Advocate recently released an Information Sheet on Property Tax Savings: Transfers Between Cotentants (two individuals owning real property) Upon Death of a Cotenant

Click here to view all Information Sheets, including several translated in Spanish.

Republican National Convention

Earlier this month, my wife Beth and I traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I had the opportunity to serve as an El Dorado County Alternate Delegate at the Republican National Convention. The energy there was electric, and I'm proud to have attended during this historic and defining time for our nation. I am feeling very hopeful for our future and proud to be an American!

Wildfire Disaster Relief

Over the years, California has suffered from devastating wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres and tens of thousands of homes. This summer and fall, wildfires will likely engulf our state once again. Homeowners who have lost their homes or seen them damaged in wildfires or other natural disasters may qualify for property tax relief and keep their Prop 13 base year value when their homes are rebuilt in a similar manner. You can find more information on disaster relief as well as contact information for each County Assessor on my Resources page.

As a Board Member, my number one priority is to advocate for taxpayers. I believe hardworking Californians deserve to have someone working on their behalf to streamline and promote efficiency in state government.

Should you need assistance with tax-related problems or have questions, visit my website for information on how to contact my office or email me directly anytime.

Monthly Board Meeting: August 27-28, 2024

Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing: August 27, 2024