GAINES GAZETTE

November 2022

Thanksgiving is a special holiday. It’s a time to pause and reflect on how truly blessed we are.

It’s a time of celebration, remembrance, and unity. We spend the day with loved ones

and are reminded of God’s continual provision in our lives.

I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to continue serving as your taxpayer advocate in the

Board of Equalization's First District. Thank you for entrusting me with this privilege.

Sending warm wishes from my home to yours. Happy Thanksgiving!

November Board Actions

During the November Board meeting, we approved staff-proposed amendments to Property Tax Rules 462.520 and 462.540; received a status report on Proposition 19 implementation; heard updates on BOE operations; voted on Board governance policy; and resolved five petitions for Reassessment of Unitary Value. Finally, the Board voted unanimously to authorize staff to pursue three legislative proposals in the 2023 session.

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 Postponement Program

Applications Now Available!

Applications for the 2022-23 tax year are now 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 $49,017 or less.

For more information, please visit my Resources page.

Around the First District

Thanks to The Club at Westpark Conservatives, Republicans and Independents for inviting me to speak at their monthly meeting in Roseville! The best part about public service is the opportunity to meet and help people. As a Board Member, my number one priority is to advocate for taxpayers. I believe hardworking Californians deserve to have someone fighting on their behalf to streamline and promote efficiency in state government.

National Diabetes Awareness Month

Most people are familiar with Type 2 Diabetes but know little about Type 1 Diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin—a hormone essential to digestion.

My wife, former Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, and I know firsthand the effect Type 1 Diabetes can have on families because one of our daughters developed the disease at age eight. Each year, about 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The good news is that public awareness about both types of diabetes is increasing, which helps save lives by aiding in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the disease.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. To support this effort, they sponsor fundraising events annually including more than 200 walks. These community events create an extensive network of families, volunteers, and donors who are committed to finding a cure for this serious disease.

Boat Owners: Did Your Taxes Go Up?

Did You Know?

Why does the Board of Equalization oversee California's property tax system? Although county government has the primary responsibility for local property tax assessment, the State has both a public policy and a financial interest in promoting fair and equitable assessments throughout California. 

Public policy interest: the impact of property taxes on taxpayers and to promote fair and equitable assessments throughout California. 

Financial interest: State law annually guarantees California schools a minimum amount of funding. If property tax revenues fall short of providing this minimum amount of funding, the State must make up the difference from the general fund.

The Board of Equalization periodically reviews the practices and procedures of County Assessors' offices to address these interests and to promote uniformity, fairness, equity, and integrity in the property tax assessment process. Learn more here.

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: December 13-14, 2022

Reminder: Property Taxes Due December 10, 2022

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