Companies Sending Mailings, Charging Property Owners To Lower Their Property Taxes
No government agency approves or endorses these services
Updated April 22, 2010
Various private companies are sending mailings to property owners offering their services to try to lower your property taxes.
DCA Investigations Punish
Reassessment Businesses
Investigators from DCA's Real Estate division recently worked with County and L.A. City Attorneys to bring to justice the operators of two property tax reassessment business.
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These companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file for a reduction in value for the property owner. One company is charging $171 for its services, even imposing a $67 late fee if they receive the application late.
Do not get ripped off by these companies!
Requests from private companies offering to try to lower your property taxes must clearly show that they are not a government agency and that no government agency approves or endorses their services. Failure to provide such notice is a violation of California law.
If you or someone you know receives an illegal request, please file a complaint with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). You can reach DCA's Real Estate Fraud and Information Program by phone at (800) 973-3370.
If you receive a legal request from private company that properly identifies itself as not being a governmental agency, be aware the Assessor’s Office may have already reviewed your property and lowered the value. There is no reason to pay for a review the Assessor’s office has already completed.
Contact the Assessor’s office if you want them to review the value of your property. There is no charge for a review.
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