GAINES GAZETTE

January 2024

I hope you are enjoying a fresh start to the new year! I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that await as I continue to serve as your taxpayer advocate and Vice Chair of the Board of Equalization. I commit to working to make California a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and will keep you updated on the latest news and developments here at the BOE. May the new year bless you with peace, health, and happiness!

January Board Actions

During the January Board meeting, we discussed state-assessed property board roll changes and changes to the value of state-assessed properties discovered on audit. We also held a public hearing on proposed amendments to Property Tax Rule 192, “Audit Selection,” to make the rule consistent with state law.

We discussed various Board Member matters and initiatives, including a proposal to reconvene the Veterans’ Exemption, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, and Homeowners’ Exemption Board Work Group; and a possible update of the Board Member Strategic Plan.

Finally, we received operational updates from the Executive Director; Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office; Communications Chief; Chief Counsel; Property Tax Department Deputy Director; Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program and the Equal Employment Opportunity Office.

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.

Governor Announces 2024-25 Budget Proposal

On January 10, Governor Newsom proposed a $291.5 billion budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, as we face a $37.9 billion budget shortfall. 

The Governor sounds all the right notes about fiscal discipline and belt-tightening, but spending more than you take in is not balanced. Our California State Constitution requires a balanced budget each year. 

This challenge is an opportunity for the legislature to review every aspect of spending, every program, every dollar planned to go out, to ensure they are not being wasteful with taxpayer dollars. I hope they do so. 

Unfortunately, they are already pushing new taxes to try to bridge the gap, including a misguided “wealth tax” aimed at our state’s highest producers. This “taxes solve everything” mindset in the legislature, and the relentless taxes and fees that follow from it, is driving people and businesses out of the state. 

California policy has frustrated residents fleeing the state by the hundreds of thousands. That’s a recipe for even more problems down the road. The legislature should look at the U-Hauls heading for the exits and understand their tax-and-spend policies hurt the state. 

They have until June 15 to get it right.

Click here for more information on the proposed budget.

About the BOE

I often get asked about the roles and responsibilities of the BOE, so I thought I’d share this fact sheet that explains it all! Available online here.

Around the First District

I recently had the opportunity to visit the BOE headquarters to meet with new and current staff members. I love interacting with and learning from our hardworking team, who deliver quality, top-notch customer service for California taxpayers. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Thanks to El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson for hosting an important and informative event regarding the effort to repeal Prop 47, the initiative that has caused crime to skyrocket in California. It was a great discussion with Retired Sheriff John McGinness (middle), former US Attorney McGregor Scott (far right), and former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert (second from right). Also pictured is my staff member, Bill Cardoza (far left).

Property Tax Postponement Program

Applications for the 2023-24 tax year are available for the State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows homeowners who are seniors, blind, or have a disability to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence if they meet certain criteria including 40 percent equity in the home and an annual household income of $51,762 or less.

The filing deadline is February 12, 2024.

For more information, visit 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: February 21-22, 2024

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