GAINES GAZETTE

October 2023

Informational Hearing on Affordable Housing

On October 19, the BOE held its fourth statewide informational hearing on modernizing California's property tax system, focused on affordable housing. We recently established a Board Work Group on Affordable Housing to explore ways the BOE can help the state alleviate the housing crisis. California’s sky-high housing prices are driving an affordability crisis. Adjusted for cost of living, our state has the highest poverty rate in the nation and we need to tackle this problem on all fronts.

The informational hearing focused on housing production and streamlining; lessons learned on what works and what hinders projects; a discussion on incentives such as tax credits, property tax exemptions, and financing; and new initiatives, models, and solutions that currently work.

The Board Work Group on Affordable Housing will issue a report with its findings and provide recommendations on ways to increase the availability of homes for those in extreme and immediate need. This "Blueprint of Incentives" report will be shared with stakeholders, the Governor, and the Legislature.

October Board Actions

During the October Board meeting, we reviewed key issues and recommendations from the 2023 annual meeting of the Board and County Assessors. We also received operational updates from the Executive Director, Communications Chief, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, Property Tax Department Deputy Director, and Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

Finally, we discussed various Board Member matters and initiatives, including a report from the Board’s Workforce Planning Work Group; and a proposed 2024 Board Meeting Workload Plan, where we identified potential issues, tentatively scheduled key subjects and measures to address, and outlined a roadmap for maximizing transparency and engagement for all stakeholders over the next year.

We are honored 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.

Veterans & Active Military Assistance

Veterans Day on November 11 may be the most important secular holiday we recognize each year. For without the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who protect our country, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that are the hallmark of this great nation. Veterans Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the strength, courage, and dedication of America’s veterans and military families. I'm especially grateful for my father, who fought in World War II. 

The BOE is committed to working with County Assessors to raise awareness of the Veterans’ Exemption and Disabled Veterans’ Exemption to support veterans, their families, and caregivers to reduce their property tax liability.

While there is no general property tax exclusion for veterans, there are laws that reduce the amount of property tax due for qualified veterans and veterans’ organizations. For more information, please visit my Resources page.

To all of you who served, I salute you and wish God’s blessings upon you.

Around the First District

Happy 100th birthday to WWII US Army 82 Airborne paratrooper John Canfield! John is a great American patriot, and even an author. Last year, he wrote Small Victories in a Great Big War: The Terrifying and Sometimes Hilarious Adventures of a World War Two Paratrooper! I encourage you to grab a copy.

Congratulations to JTR Insurance Agency on the opening of their new office in historic downtown Placerville! JTR is a family-owned insurance agency focused on personal, commercial, professional, and specialty – a wonderful addition to El Dorado County.

Income Tax Deadline Extended to November 16

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) announced that most Californians now have until November 16, 2023, to file and pay their tax year 2022 taxes to avoid penalties.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that taxpayers affected by winter natural disasters in 55 California counties qualify for an extension to file and pay their tax year 2022 federal income taxes until November 16, 2023. With the relief, those who would have had an October 16, 2023, postponed tax filing deadline now have until November 16, 2023, to file and pay.

FTB generally conforms to IRS postponement periods for presidentially declared disasters. Click here for more information.

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: November 14-15, 2023

Sign Up to receive Announcement of Public Meeting Agenda