2. Why did I receive a notice stating that my assessment will be lowered, but the tax bill still shows the higher amount? There is no way to control the amount of time it takes to process roll corrections, as corrections need to be processed by three county offices. It is always advisable to pay the current bill to avoid late penalties.
3. What year does my lowered assessment cover? Your property is assessed at current market value as of January 1. Your 2017 reduction covers the period 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2016. For unsecured property, your taxes are normally due by August 31. For secured property, the first installment is due by December 10 and the second installment is due April 10.
4. Is the reduction permanent? No. The reduction is temporary and only for the year 2017. Your property will be reviewed annually until market value exceeds your factored base year value.
5. I received a reduction for 2016. Do I have to re-file an informal review for 2017? No. If you received a temporary reduction for 2016, our office will automatically review your property for the 01/01/2017 lien date.
6. If I do not agree with the value of my informal review, is it too late to file for a formal appeal? The deadline to file an appeal for the 2017 lien date is 09/15/2017. However, if you are appealing a supplemental assessment, you can timely file an appeal within 60 days from the date noted on your Notice of Supplemental Assessment sent by our office.
7. I was not aware that there was a deadline to file for a formal appeal. Can I still file after the deadline? No. The Assessor informs taxpayers of the deadline by mailing valuation notices to property owners each July.
8. I do not agree with my reduced value and timely filed an assessment appeal. What is the next step? Pursuant to Sierra County Board of Equalization Administrative Rules and Procedures, Rule 2004, the Assessor's office will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable time to meet and discuss your appeal.
9. Do I have to pay my property taxes if my assessment appeal has not been heard? Yes. You are required to pay your property taxes based on the existing assessment. Be sure to make your payments by the December 10th and April 10th deadlines. If your appeal results in a reduction of value, you will receive a refund of the overpaid taxes.
10. What are some of the reasons why my informal review was denied? Your assessed value is lower than the market value of your property as of the January 1 lien date or there was insufficient information or data to support a reduction.