Did the County Assessor reassess your real property due to a title change? The consequences of title changes and reassessment of real property are often overlooked and greatly misunderstood. Title changes of real property take place when there is a sale or purchase. A title change can also be triggered by a gift or through a probate inheritance. In other words, the transfer may be voluntary, involuntary, by contract of sale, or simply adding or removing the name of an owner. Keep in mind, a transfer of money from one person to another is not required. Reassessment of real property may still occur, even if there has not been a formal purchase.

What our Clients Say...
“A People’s Choice prepares legal documents so you can represent yourself and still look like you know what you’re doing. I utilized their services recently and found them to be professional as well as extremely helpful. I couldn’t be happier.”
Evan J.
“I recently required the help of A People’s Choice, Inc. and found them to be entirely professional. Everything was done in short order yet all was explained to my satisfaction. They were friendly and courteous. I am happy and impressed.”
C. Zyobel
“A People’s Choice is a great option to get legal documents prepared inexpensively. They offer a very professional, low cost service for all sorts of legal paperwork. You won’t be disappointed and will save lots of money as compared to using an expensive attorney!”
Kathryn R.
“Extremely satisfied with the performance of A People’s Choice. The communication was excellent and all was handled in a timely efficient manner.”
Pam T.
“This company is excellent! They helped me get through all of my paperwork, submitted it to the court, and now everything is complete. Everything was clear and almost too easy. I saved thousands of dollars!”
Seth M.
“A People’s Choice is a business that delivers what they promise. I was treated like a VIP by their staff and Sandy was the best. As for their services, they promptly delivered all of the official documents and fillings on my behalf and their price is more than reasonable.
Juan B.
“Made the process so easy for me. Also VERY prompt replies through email. So glad I used their services.”
Kristina C.
“I was very happy with the service received. They were extremely responsive by phone and email and completed the document in less than 24 hours! All questions were answered promptly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone needing a legal document prepared!”
M.D.
“I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The customer service and professionalism are exceptional. This service is only a fraction of the cost, more responsive, and better suited to quickly completing complicated court forms. “
Linda F.
“Great service. Highly professional and efficient creating legal documents. I am completely satisfied and highly recommend them to others. People who are looking for professional legal services look no further, try A People’s Choice.”
Radtech N.
“I am glad I chose A People’s Choice. They were very friendly and helped me with my documents in a very efficient way in very little time. Give them a try and you will be writing a positive review just as I did.”
D. Buelna
“The service provided by A People’s Choice was very professional and comprehensive. We have used A People’s Choice on a previous occasion and were completely satisfied. We would highly recommend A People’s Choice to anyone!”
R. Betancourt
“I have worked with A People’s Choice since September 2013. They are very knowledgeable and experienced. Their work is done professionally and timely. They showed a real concern for my situation. I recommend you give them the opportunity.”
D. Echeverra
“We love A People’s Choice. It’s legally run and professional. Everyone has to have a recommendation and license. Highly recommended.”
Christy C.
“I can’t say enough about the level of service and professionalism I received working with A People’s Choice. Emails were always responded to quickly and thoughtfully. I ended up saving a lot of money by going with A People’s Choice over an attorney.”
M. Rice
“Lightning fast response, I had my very simple document on the same day as my order for the very fair and reasonable price compared to my attorney who quoted me 3 weeks and $2500. I will definitely use these folks again and highly recommend them!”
L. Carnes
“This team is efficient, professional, ethical and easy to work with. Any of my questions were responded to immediately. They did everything they could to help me. I highly recommend their services.”
Leigh A.
“A People’s Choice – Saved me time, money & hardship. The people are professional and a pleasure to work with, I totally recommend them to everyone! I will used them for all my legal documents in the future. Thank you!”
C. Lazalde
“Very professional, excellent follow up and easy to work with. I will recommend them often! The staff rocks!”
Gene A.
“I Recently used A PEOPLE’S CHOICE !!!! This service is absolutely AMAZING !!!! At first I was so confused , but after their process was explained to me , everything worked exactly the way they Said it would & they are there to help with the process. every step of the way , as promised. I would recommend this service 100% based on them being so efficient, professional, and always available to address any concerns that you may have . I appreciate the work that they did for me . THANKS !!!!
R. Ivey
“I had the opportunity to use A People’s Choice again, Wow doesn’t say enough for the way the staff was able to get me in and out and all my answers answered. Very Professional, Organized and Friendly. I highly recommend!”
Debbie E.
“A People’s Choice is awesome! They made the legal documentation process painless. I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The name says it all.”
Eric J.
“I was in need of some serious help and didn’t know what to do. I had contacted a lawyer and he wanted to charge me $1800.00. A People’s Choice got my paper work started and at a much lower cost. I am very grateful for the company’s services.
April R.
“How much is peace of mind worth to you? This company of hardworking, caring individuals will help you get the job done in the quickest, most efficient way. Conveniently located. Check it out. Thank you!”
Diana K.
“My wife and I needed to have some papers filed in court but found that traditional lawyers were quite expensive. They did a very professional job completing our paperwork and I might say, at a very reasonable price.”
D. Hileman
“A People’s Choice is extremely customer orientated and friendly. Their service was fast and reliable. in the future, should I need their services again, I will not hesitate to call them. All e-mails were answered with either a phone call or e-mail sometimes even late at night”
Tar
“I needed help understanding and filling out legal documents but I didn’t have enough money to pay for an attorney. I would highly recommend A People’s Choice for your legal documents as you will get outstanding service at an affordable price. “
Sharon B.

Get help Filing a Reassessment Exemption!

Once a county assessor is notified of a title change, Proposition 13 requires the county assessor to reassess the property to its current fair market value. This value is determined as of the date of the change of ownership. Keep in mind, the new market value of the property will increase the real property’s tax rate.

Proposition 13

Title changes and reassessment of real property go hand-in-hand with Proposition 13. In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 13, which substantially reduced property tax rates. As a result, the maximum levy cannot be greater than 1% of a property’s assessed value (plus bonded indebtedness and direct assessment taxes). There is a 2% annual increase limit to the assessed value of real property. With this in mind, only four events can cause a reappraisal:

1. A change in ownership (title change);
2. Completed new construction;
3. New construction partially completed on the lien date (January 1); or
4. A decline-in-value (see Market Value Decline – Proposition 8).

Title Changes That Can Avoid Reassessment of Real Property

Alternatively, if the fair market value of real property decreases, the property taxes on that property will decrease. There are exceptions in which title changes may avoid reassessment of real property. For example, the following are exclusions that require a property owner to file a timely claim of exemption with the county’s assessor’s office to avoid reassessment:

1. Transfer of a principal residence between parties and their children.
2. Transfer of up to $1 million of real property between parents and their children.
3. Transfer of principal place of residence between grandparent and grandchildren.
4. The purchase of a replacement property if government action took the original property.
5. Transfers of real property between spouses which include transfers in and out of trusts.
6. Transfers of real estate to an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the creator/grantor or the creator/grantor’s spouse.

There are many other exclusions to the rules to note. Contact your County Recorder to see if your change in title may be exempt from tax reassessment. At A People’s Choice, we can help you complete the document you need to obtain a waiver and avoid a reassessment. We can also help you inform the county recorder that you purchased a home. Contact us today to get started or call 805-648-5540.

Get help with your Legal documents today!

A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your legal documents instead of an expensive attorney!

Was this article helpful? We would love to know your thoughts! If you found this article helpful, please check the LIKE button below. Your feedback helps us plan topics for future articles.