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LA County assessor explains property-tax relief process for wildfire victims
Summary
Assessor Jeff Prang described the Misfortune and Calamity program, eligibility thresholds and filing deadlines for reduced assessed value after wildfire damage and urged residents not to pay for assistance.
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang said initial reports indicate about 10,000 properties have been damaged or destroyed in the recent fires and that more may be identified as damage inspections proceed. “Initial reports suggest that 10,000 properties have been damaged or destroyed with 100 more likely to be discovered in the coming days,” Prang said.
Prang outlined the county's Misfortune and Calamity program for property-tax relief: damages must exceed $10,000 to qualify, and owners must file a claim within 12 months of the damage. If approved, the assessor's office will reduce the assessed value effective the date the damage occurred; the reduction remains in place until repair, rebuilding or change of ownership. Prang said the filing also enables coordination with the treasurer-tax collector's office for possible tax deferrals without penalties for taxpayers who pay directly rather than through mortgage impound accounts.
The assessor urged residents not to pay anyone for assistance with these services and said his office provides the program free; staff at the briefing had handouts and can be reached at assessor.lacounty.gov or 213-974-3211 for guidance. Prang said the office anticipates processing claims as quickly as possible and will coordinate with county partners on audits and refunds where due.
