During the October Board meeting, we discussed a number of topics, including various property tax matters, staff presented updates on property tax rules and the Proposition 19 Implementation Project. We received a status report on options for the BOE to extend property tax deadlines to assist taxpayers affected by COVID-19. We also received updates on the impact of public calamities on property tax administration and received testimony from a number of guest speakers. Finally, we held our annual meeting with all 58 County Assessors.

I also welcomed a guest, Nick Brewer, who sat in and observed this month's meeting. Nick is a student at Folsom Lake College studying government and politics. It’s always great to connect with California’s future leaders!

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

The BOE virtually held our annual meeting with the 58 County Assessors on October 19 in conjunction with the October 2021 Board Meeting.

The BOE is required by law to meet with County Assessors at least once a year to discuss issues focused on the administration of property tax assessment and taxation laws and to promote uniformity of property tax procedures throughout the state. Throughout the past year, the BOE and County Assessors have worked closely to address the implementation of Proposition 19 and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on county boards of equalization and assessment appeals boards. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss future challenges and further ways to strengthen the long-standing partnership.

After the meeting recessed for the day, I held a breakout session with the 30 County Assessors located within my district. We discussed remote appeals hearings, assessment backlogs, personnel recruitment and retention, disaster relief, BOE training classes, and more. It was helpful to learn about the challenges and opportunities they are facing and how we can work together to provide the best, fairest, most transparent service to the nearly 10 million Californians residing in these counties.

California voters passed Proposition 19 last November and the measure is now fully effective. Proposition 19 expanded the law allowing certain homeowners to transfer their base year value when they move to a new primary residence and significantly changed the exclusion for intergenerational transfers. Although the implementation timeline was tight, Board Members have been working closely with BOE staff, County Assessors, and the state Legislature to get as much clarification on the measure as possible.

Senate Bill 539 (Hertzberg), which will help clarify many vague and inconsistent provisions of the law, was signed by the Governor on September 30 and the bill took effect imediately. BOE staff is currently in the process of updating its Proposition 19 guidance to incorporate provisions in this new law. These updates can be found on my website.

Did you know the BOE has a team of people dedicated to helping you with any unresolved issues? The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office, led by Lisa Thompson, helps taxpayers who are unable to resolve a problem through normal channels. Their goal is to protect your rights and ensure your tax problems are handled promptly and fairly.

They can assist if you have a disagreement with the programs administered by the BOE, or county agencies involved in California's property tax system. Some taxpayers contact them to communicate their frustration with aspects of the property taxation system or if they are seeking confirmation that they have been treated lawfully and fairly by a county or state office.

The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office facilitates communication between taxpayers, the BOE, and county staff to eliminate potential misunderstandings. Taxpayers are provided information on policies and procedures so they can be better prepared to discuss their issues with the appropriate staff and increase the opportunity to affect a resolution which will satisfy them.

The team is standing by to help! For more information, visit their webpage.

Veterans Day 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. 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.

Did you know that one in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime during her lifetime? As a husband and the father of five daughters, I’ve long encouraged increased awareness of this disease because it’s a critical step in early detection and treatment.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 30,000 women in California will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Breast cancer is most often found in women, but men can get breast cancer too. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.

Fortunately, when caught early, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Performing monthly self-exams and seeing healthcare professionals regularly for breast exams and mammograms greatly boost chances of early detection.

For more information and resources, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

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 16-17, 2021 via Teleconference