Board of Equalization adopts audits and escape assessments for telecommunications and utility firms; sets appeals timelines

The California State Board of Equalization on March 26 adopted two state‑assessed property audits and approved a set of unitary land escaped assessments for investor‑owned utilities and a wireless carrier, actions staff said follow statutory audit and escaped‑assessment processes and leave taxpayers avenues for appeal.

Chief of the State Assessed Properties Division Jack McCool asked the Board to adopt audit adjustments for Extenet Systems California LLC and Vero Fiber Networks LLC. "I ask for your adoption of the audit for Extenet Systems California, LLC," McCool told the Board before members moved and voted. The Board approved both audits by roll call, with Chairman Gaines, Vice Chair Lieber, Member Vasquez, Member Schaffer and Controller Cohen voting aye on each item.

Nut graf: The actions change assessed values for corporations whose property is primarily valued at the state level. McCool told the Board audited companies were given 30 days to provide additional information and, after adoption, the assessee receives official notice and 50 days to appeal…