GAINES GAZETTE

November 2024

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

The Great Seal of California features the Roman goddess Minerva a grizzly bear feeding on grape vines a sheaf of grain a miner and sailing ships. The state motto Eureka meaning I have found it is written above Minerva.

During day one of the November meeting, we discussed property tax program matters, including petitions for reassessment of the 2024 unitary value and state-assessed property Board roll changes.


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


On day two, we held an Informational Hearing on Understanding and Exploring Options for Incentivizing California’s Hydrogen Hub Project. Led by Board Member Vasquez, we received technical and testimonial data from key leaders and experts on the critical issues and underpinnings of the Project. The goal was to enable the Board to understand the challenges of launching hydrogen as a reliable source of renewable energy statewide and to identify the property tax implications and possible tax incentives based on the expertise and recommendations of the Project leaders, legislators, proponents, stakeholders, and the public.


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.

Celebrating Veterans!

In honor of my favorite veteran, my dad, I attended a ceremony at the El Dorado County Veteran’s Memorial where I dedicated a brick at the monument in his honor. SSGT Robert F. Gaines USA AC WW II 1943-45. We owe my dad and all of our veterans' endless gratitude and appreciation. Be sure to thank a veteran!

Property Tax Postponement Program

Applications Now Available!

Applications for the 2024-25 tax year are now available for the State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows homeowners who are seniors, are 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 $53,574 or less (among other requirements). The deferment of property taxes is secured by a lien against the property which must eventually be repaid.


For more information, please visit my Resources page.

In the News...

Check out my latest opinion piece on how California’s climate rules are hurting taxpayers.


California's Climate Rules Leave Working Class Behind

By Ted Gaines

Bakersfield Californian

November 16, 2024

Click Here to Read
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: December 17-18, 2024


Reminder: Property Taxes Due December 10, 2024

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