The way property tax is determined is by multiplying a figure that each County has determined to be the “magic” number to what you paid for your home.

For example, in Sacramento County if you paid $400,000 for your house, the County Tax Assessor multiplies 1% for a total amount being $4000 per year of tax (does not include any bonds, Mello Roos or Assessments that have been added in your area).

Remember, that the person determining your tax is human and may have made an error as well as the clerical person entering the data in the data system for the County. Don’t assume your taxes are correct. You know what three letters ASSume begins with…don’t be caught!

It is important to look at the information on your tax bill. Are the number of bedrooms and baths correct, is the square footage of the house correct and the acreage?

It is important to call the Tax Assessor for your County and ask if there is any other information that perhaps does not appear on your tax bill which helps determine your tax base.

Since many homes have decreased in value, why pay more in your taxes? Have your home reassessed. One in three requests for reassessment are denied.

The odds are in your favor. Of course if you just added a pool and other items, it may not be in your best interest to question your taxes. You may pay more! Another, tool is to check your neighbors who have similar homes in your neighborhood…how much are they paying?

Call your Realtor and ask how much homes have recently SOLD for in your neighborhood, you might be paying too much in taxes…remember your tax base is a result of how much you paid for your home and should reflect the current value of the home.

There are rules with most County Tax Assessor Offices check out the rules in your County.

For example, in Sacramento County if a homeowner disagrees with their tax, they must file an application between July 2 and September 15 BEFORE the annual tax bill is mailed.

If you disagree with the value of a supplemental assessment, the filing must be within 60 days of the date of the mailing of the supplemental tax bill (remember, the supplemental tax bill is sent to all new homeowners and is a one time tax bill - brand new homes pay quite a bit because the tax was based on land and not a house - otherwise if purchasing a re-sale house, the supplemental tax bill is the difference in what the previous owner paid and what you paid for the house).