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Taxpayer advocate urges consistent county penalty and refund practices
Summary
A taxpayer advocate told the board that counties charge inconsistent penalty and fee amounts for late property tax payments and that delays in refunds can last six to 12 months, asking the board to pursue equal treatment and consequences for counties.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, taxpayer advocate Rudy Bermudez told the Board of Equalization that county practices on penalties and refund timing create unequal treatment of taxpayers and can cause financial hardship.
Bermudez thanked the board for creating a taxpayer bill of rights working group and said the group has been "timely and significant" in addressing practices across counties. He noted that penalties and administrative costs for late payment vary by county (he contrasted a $10 charge in Los Angeles County with a $40 charge in Sacramento) and said refunds can be delayed "from six to 12 months and even longer," arguing counties are not penalized for such delays and that the double standard is unfair to taxpayers.
Legal counsel Richard Moon cautioned that staff should avoid substantive comments from the dais during the public comment period and advised Bermudez to submit his remarks in writing and bring the topic to the scheduled working group meeting. Board members took the comment, invited written follow‑up, and confirmed the issue will be considered during the working group process.
Why it matters: Variations in local administrative fees and refund timeliness can impose disproportionate burdens on taxpayers depending on where they live. The board's working group provides a forum to evaluate potential policy or administrative remedies.
Next steps: Bermudez was encouraged to submit his comments in writing; staff and counsel said the working group will review county practices and the board can consider recommendations at a future meeting.
