Gaines Gazette - News from Ted Gaines, BOE District 1

GAINES GAZETTE

September 2022

September Board Actions

During the September Board meeting, we approved the 2023 Board Workload Plan; received a report on the BOE’s Proposition 19 Implementation Project; and heard operational reports from the Property Tax Department, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, and Legislative, Research & Statistics Division.

Finally, we convened a Property Tax Abatement Board Work Group to engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and to exchange ideas about utilizing property tax abatements to spur the development of affordable housing in California. Stakeholders provided an overview of the financial impacts of potential property tax abatements on local governments and schools; examined constitutional, statutory, and regulatory implications; and the future of property tax abatements in California.

Proposition 19 Update

The Board of Equalization recently updated its Proposition 19 webpage to include a helpful Proposition 19 Filing Requirements Checklist. It provides the type of relief, form(s) to file, the name of form(s), and filing deadlines.

Taxpayer Hero Award

California has the highest sales, gas, and income taxes, and there’s an almost yearly assault on Prop. 13. But even with a massive budget surplus, Sacramento politicians want more. More government is the goal, and it runs on your money. It is for these reasons that I support limited government and the lowest possible taxes. I think families and businesses are better stewards of their money than government.

Because of those beliefs, I want to recognize those people who buck the tide and fight for lower taxes, better oversight, and smaller government. That is why I created my “Taxpayer Hero Award” program, to show my gratitude for their efforts.

My latest award recipient is Bruce Lee, President of the Sacramento Taxpayers Association (SacTax)! It was my honor to present this award to Bruce at the annual SacTax membership banquet for his many years advocating for fiscal responsibility and government transparency on behalf of Sacramento area taxpayers. Congratulations Bruce!

Pictured below (left to right) with taxpayer advocate Ted Costa; Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association; and Bruce Lee.

Wildfire Disaster Relief

Picture of a structure on fire with a firefighter holding a hose and spraying water on it with the words Disaster Relief in the upper left corner

With wildfires raging throughout California, I want to remind those affected that they may be eligible for property tax relief.

We are currently experiencing a number of devastating wildfires ravaging California with hundreds of structures lost or damaged, and the season isn’t close to being over. Although property taxes aren’t the first thing that come to mind when dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire, the next property tax installment is due to local counties in a few short months this December. I'm a taxpayer advocate looking to help Californians at all times and especially during extraordinary hardship. It is important that families and small businesses impacted by these disasters understand the available resources and relief so they can begin to rebuild their lives.

This summer, a State of Emergency was declared in response to the fires burning within my BOE District, including El Dorado, Madera, Mariposa, Modoc, Placer, and Siskiyou counties. Affected properties in Governor-proclaimed disaster areas may qualify for property tax relief so long as the loss estimate is at least $10,000 of the current market value of the property. In many cases, the damaged property can be reappraised in its current condition, with some taxes refunded to the property owner. Once rebuilt, the property's pre-damaged value will be restored.

The BOE serves a critical role in the assessment practices and administration of property taxes statewide. To qualify for property tax relief, property owners must file a claim with their County Assessor's Office within 12 months from the date of damage or destruction or the time specified in their county's ordinance, whichever is later.

Owners of eligible property may also apply for deferral of their next property tax installment, without penalties or interest. Affected property owners are strongly encouraged to contact their County Assessor's Office to begin their claim for property tax relief.

Visit the BOE's Disaster Relief page for more information, additional resources, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

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 nearly 27,000 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.

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: October 18-19, 2022

Visit my website