Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Taxes
What is a reassessment?
Under Proposition 13, and subsequent laws, property is reassessed on a change of ownership. A change of ownership includes not just a sale of the home but also the death of the owner. The county determines the value of the property as of the date ownership changes, and reassesses retroactive to that date.
There are two important exclusions from reassessment for estate planning and administration purposes. The county will not reassess property when the interest of a deceased spouse passes to the other spouse. Also, under Proposition 58, which became law in 1986, the transfer of property to a child also avoids reassessment. However, the claim for exclusion from reassessment must be filed with the county assessor within three (3) years of death and before the property is subsequently sold.
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