Due to a six-month lag, many new homeowners and those with reassessments feel their property taxes are too high, according to County Assessor Tom Slavich.
Valuation of a property is done as of Jan. 1, meaning that if someone buys a home, they pay the property taxes on that value until the house is reassessed. Slavich also said that revaluation is "usually done automatically when property is sold."
If the value of the house is different from what's paid in property taxes, a rebate can be issued later, or the rates can be raised. If the house is purchased at a lower price than the assessed value, the owner could pay more.
Slavich said that many of the complaints from homeowners result from misunderstanding.
"Usually they come in and don't understand how the process works."
The process, which can be confusing, begins in January at the close of the assessment period. Slavich said that's when the assessor's period begins and ends. Slavich said these matters are all time related.
"When they get their bill, its based on rates from nine months ago," Slavich said.
If a homeowner believes his or her property is being overvalued, the assessors office offers a formal appeal process.
Colin McConville Colin McConville is a reporter with the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him by email or at (831) 637-5566.
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