San Diego Assessor proposes constitutional amendment for property tax relief

San Diego County is facing significant challenges related to Proposition 19, as highlighted during the recent Board of Equalization meeting. The discussion centered on the burdens that have arisen from the implementation of this property tax measure, particularly concerning appeals and refunds.

Mr. Gomez, representing the San Diego County Assessor's office, addressed the board, emphasizing the need for solutions to the issues stemming from Proposition 19. He proposed a constitutional amendment to extend the homeowners' exemption claim filing period to three years, aligning it with the existing parent-child exclusion form. This change aims to alleviate problems related to late filing denials and provide prospective relief for homeowners.

Gomez shared insights from his extensive experience in property assessment, noting the shift from assessing value based on Proposition 13 to market value under Proposition 19. He illustrated the impact of this change with a case study involving a property that experienced a significant increase in assessed value following a death in the family. The assessed value of the property was $348,321, but the fair market value soared to $1.8 million, highlighting the stark differences that can arise under the new regulations.

The board's discussions reflect a broader concern about how Proposition 19 is affecting property owners in San Diego and potentially across California. As the board considers these proposals, the implications for homeowners and the administrative processes involved in property tax assessments remain a critical focus. The proposed changes could pave the way for more equitable treatment of property owners facing the complexities introduced by the new law.