With the value of Orange County homes declining, some Orange County residents will (if they haven’t already) receive a reduced assessment and, therefore, a reduced tax bill from Webster Guillory, the Orange County Assessor. If after receiving  your property tax assessment you have questions, you can contact the Office of the Assessor at (714) 834-2727, or view the online instructions for the appeals process. The appeals filing period is July 2 through September 15, 2009.

For some helpful information on saving taxes, see “How to save on property taxes” by Jeff Collins of the OC Register.

Property Value Notices are mailed in July to inform real estate owners of the taxable value of their property.

A Beige Notice indicates the property’s market value was higher than the Prop. 13 value on January 1 (lien date).

• A 2% inflation adjustment has been added as required by California law.
• Related property taxes may go up accordingly.

A Blue Notice indicates the property’s market value was lower than the Prop. 13 value on January 1 (lien date).

• Taxable value has been temporarily reduced or kept at last year’s value.
• Related property taxes for that tax year may go down accordingly.

If you disagree with the valuation of your property, you may file an assessment appeal with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

–from the Orange County Assessor’s webpage