Vasquez leads workshop on assessment appeals and property tax issues

The April 30, 2025, Board of Equalization (BOE) workshop commenced with a focus on the assessment appeals process, led by member Vasquez. The session aimed to address key administrative issues affecting county assessors and appeal boards, with a particular emphasis on streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

Chair Vasquez opened the meeting by acknowledging the presence of various stakeholders, including county officials and experts, and proposed a modification to the speaking time for participants. Member Schaeffer suggested reducing the allotted time for each speaker from 15 minutes to 10 minutes to accommodate the large number of speakers, which was agreed upon to ensure a more efficient discussion. The chair welcomed the idea, noting that supplemental materials could be submitted if speakers needed more time.

The workshop's agenda outlined four primary issues for discussion:

1. Identifying delays in the Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) process and exploring solutions to streamline these delays.
2. Addressing backlogs and inefficiencies in the property tax refund process.
3. Tackling technical challenges related to the implementation of AB 1879, including the potential expansion of electronic signatures and submissions for small and medium-sized counties.
4. Discussing challenges related to Proposition 19, including technical issues and the need for targeted education to reduce taxpayer confusion.

Vasquez emphasized the importance of the workshop, noting that it had been ongoing for several years and that significant progress had been made on short-term goals. However, he acknowledged that several issues still required resolution.

The meeting included a safety announcement for in-person attendees, detailing emergency exit locations and reminding participants to silence their devices. The session was live-streamed and open to public comments, with instructions provided for those wishing to participate.

As the workshop progressed, the first speaker was called to provide insights on the agenda topics, setting the stage for a collaborative discussion aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the assessment appeals process in California. The BOE's commitment to addressing these critical issues reflects its ongoing efforts to improve administrative functions and support county assessors and taxpayers alike.