Santa Clara County reviews property tax refund process to reduce delays and improve efficiency

The California Board of Equalization (BOE) convened on April 30, 2025, to address significant issues surrounding the property tax refund process. The meeting focused on identifying delays and exploring potential improvements in the system, which involves multiple local agencies, including assessors and tax collectors.

Deputy County Counsel Bhavit Madvani from Santa Clara County presented data indicating that property tax refunds are typically issued within an average of five weeks for secured property assessments that have been lowered. He emphasized the complexity of the refund process, which includes verifying taxpayer identities, checking for delinquent tax bills, and calculating interest owed. Madvani noted that while some refunds can take longer, the majority are processed efficiently.

However, concerns were raised about inconsistencies across counties. Brad Marsh, co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig and vice chair of the California Association of Taxpayers and Advocates (CADAA), highlighted that some counties experience delays of six months or more for refunds after assessment appeals. He pointed out that there are currently no penalties for counties that fail to issue timely refunds, which can lead to unnecessary expenses for local governments.

Marsh proposed legislative changes to streamline the refund process, suggesting that the timeline for issuing refunds should be aligned with the existing 60-day requirement for taxpayers to pay their bills. He also recommended improving communication between departments to reduce delays caused by the handoff of cases.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further investigation into the refund process and potential legislative solutions to enhance efficiency and accountability. The discussions underscored the importance of timely property tax refunds for taxpayers and the overall financial health of local governments.