BOE seeks funds for IT modernization, reports increases in filings and staffing progress

At the March 25 meeting the Board of Equalization received a series of operational reports that highlighted two budget change proposals and administrative effects from recent jurisdictional additions.

Executive Director Yvette Stowers said the agency has sought one-time funding in the governor's budget for an IT modernization project and to implement SB 293 (the Generation Homeowners Protection Act). "This new law is really targeting the community of Altadena," Stowers said, and staff have sought targeted one-time funding to issue guidance and technical instructions to county assessors and stakeholders. She asked for member support during budget discussions in Sacramento.

Deputy Director David Young, with subreports from Carolyn Stevens and Jack McCool, reviewed operational items. Stevens summarized letters to assessors (13 LTAs so far in 2026), and training staff reported 40 scheduled classes for fiscal year 2025–26 with 33 completed. Jack McCool reported the unitary division completed a capitalization-rate study and that March 1 was the filing deadline: the office processed 270 extension requests and reported a roughly 46% increase in extension filings compared with last year. McCool said the agency believes the increase is primarily attributable to newly included VoIP entities after a regulatory change; the division has discovered roughly 50 new VoIP assessable entities so far and will continue outreach and reminder letters for late filers.

David Young noted staffing progress in the appraisal and audit teams (four new tax auditors hired) while acknowledging the workload could expand as VoIP filings and other jurisdictional additions continue.

What this means

The board is seeking a combination of technical guidance funding and IT upgrades to handle new jurisdictional responsibilities and rising case volumes; staff cautioned the addition of VoIP entities will be an ongoing, multiyear discovery and processing task.