GAINES GAZETTE
September 2020
On August 18, the BOE held its annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearing via teleconference. Taxpayers, assessors, and other stakeholders were invited to provide comments on BOE-administered programs, property tax issues, and any items discussed in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s 2018-19 Annual Report.
 
For example, a taxpayer from Seal Beach alleged that a retirement community in Orange County is illegally taking property from seniors by misleading them about ownership of property in the community. These claims triggered a discussion about whether the state should pass a law requiring retirement communities to provide more information to seniors who are considering living there, and whether arrangements are similar to a timeshare contract. The Board committed to following up on the allegations.
 
We take taxpayers’ rights seriously at the BOE. Our employees are expected to honor and safeguard your rights every time they interact with you. We welcome all ideas, concerns, and recommendations regarding the programs and laws that we administer. If you have questions or concerns regarding property tax laws, don’t hesitate to contact my office.
Important Taxpayer Deadline Extension
The BOE recently announced a pro-taxpayer deadline extension for property tax appeals that will help Californians cope with pandemic-related delays in tax administration.
 
At the May 13 and May 29 Board meetings, my colleagues and I facilitated a robust public policy discussion surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on the administration of property tax. The goal was to gather input and discuss actions to help property tax administrators continue providing fair and efficient property tax assessment and appeals.
 
On July 31, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-72-20, which gives County Assessment Appeals Boards more time to issue a decision on pending tax assessment appeals filed on or before March 4, 2020. The extension to January 31, 2021 provides local appeals boards extra time to hear and determine appeals.
 
Taxpayers need to know they can appeal their property tax assessments. That’s step one. But they also need sufficient time to ensure they are getting the fair and thorough hearings they deserve when they do appeal. As a taxpayer advocate, I’m happy to see this extension and hope it benefits overtaxed Californians.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve long supported and encouraged increased awareness of this disease and the importance of early detection and treatment.
 
The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 20,000 men in California will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Fortunately, most cases are caught early and survival rates are high. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a good time for men to talk to their doctor so they can make informed decisions about maintaining the health of their prostate. 
 
For more information and resources, visit the California Prostate Cancer Coalition.
239 Local Tax and Bond Measures in November
According to the California Taxpayers Association, not only will Californians be voting on a massive property tax increase (Proposition 15), they will also decide the fate of 237 local tax increases and two proposed tax repeals. CalTax has created a useful table showing the various tax and bond measures from 56 of California’s 58 counties.
 
Among the measures, 176 propose direct tax increases. Based upon data available and estimates provided by local jurisdictions, these measures add up to $1.5 billion annually in higher local taxes. The tax increases include measures to authorize bonds that would be repaid through property tax increases.
 
Additionally, voters will decide whether to enact $12.9 billion in local school construction bonds and $1.9 billion in other local bonds. Unlike state bonds, which are repaid through the state general fund, local bonds are repaid—with interest that adds significantly to the total—via higher property taxes in the jurisdiction that approved the bond.
 
Some jurisdictions are carrying measures specifically targeting employers, potentially creating competitiveness problems that may lead to businesses moving jobs and investments out of those communities.
 
As your representative on California’s elected tax board, I encourage you to vote this November. You pay taxes and voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent. If you haven’t registered to vote, you can do so on the Secretary of State’s Register to Vote website. Your vote matters!
Wildfire Disaster Relief
California continues to suffer from devastating wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres along with many homes and buildings.

Taxpayers whose homes or businesses have been destroyed or damaged in a wildfire can find information on disaster relief as well as contact information for each County Assessor on my Resources page.
At Your Service
White sign with words Customer Service in red sitting next to a bell with a finger pushing down on the ringer. Picture of Board Member Ted Gaines sitting in a black desk chair wearing a light blue shirt and striped tie.
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.
Mark Your Calendar!
Monthly Board Meeting: September 22-23, 2020 via teleconference

September 24, 2020 via teleconference