GAINES GAZETTE

March 2024

March Board Actions

During the March Board meeting, we voted on numerous tax program matters, including changes to the value of state-assessed properties discovered on audit, and approval of land escaped assessment of state-assessed properties. We reviewed various Board member matters, including the Governor’s proposed 2024/25 state budget, and the Board Member Strategic Plan.

We also received operational updates from the Executive Director, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, Property Tax Department Deputy Director, and Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

Finally, we held a Board Work Group Meeting on the Veterans’ Exemption, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, and Homeowners’ Exemption.

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.

Around the First District

I love to get out on the road in the First BOE District and visit some of my Assessors. Thanks to Colusa County Assessor Arnie Gross (left photo, middle) and Solano County Assessor Glenn Zook (right photo, middle) for the great meetings. Both Assessors and their teams are providing top notch services to property owners!

Lawmakers Propose Raising Taxes & Fees by Billions

According to a new report from the California Tax Foundation, during the first two months of 2024, state lawmakers considered increasing taxes and fees by more than $193.28 billion a year.

The foundation’s Tax and Fee Report tallies 69 proposals with higher taxes or fees. With fiscal estimates still being prepared, the cost to taxpayers has been quantified for 19 of the measures so far, for a cumulative total of $193.28 billion a year in additional taxes if all were approved.

Major taxes acted on or pending in the Legislature include new taxes on personal assets, vehicles, rental properties, pet food, candy, online platforms, pesticides, firearm safety devices, airplanes, and more.

The taxes and fees were introduced as lawmakers and the governor face a budget deficit that the Legislative Analyst’s Office recently projected to be approximately $73 billion.

As state officials grapple with the budget’s operating deficit, Californians face major fiscal challenges, including a high cost of living that is growing due to inflation and increases in taxes and fees.

The Tax and Fee Report is a regular publication of the California Tax Foundation, updated throughout the year to reflect new legislative proposals. The report includes any measure estimated to cost $1 million or more per year in higher taxes or fees.

CalTax's 98th Annual Meeting

Thanks to the California Taxpayers Association and their President/CEO Rob Gutierrez for having me and my fellow Board Members at their 98th Annual Meeting. We had a great panel discussion moderated by CalTax's David Kline on California tax policy and ways to make government more transparent, efficient and fair for taxpayers.

Reminder: Taxes Due April 15

This is a friendly reminder that your state and federal income taxes are due on April 15, 2024.

Note that individuals and businesses impacted by the San Diego County floods qualify for an extension until June 17, 2024, to file and pay their state and federal taxes. 

For more information, visit the California Franchise Tax Board and Internal Revenue Service websites.

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: April 16-17, 2024