Tax relief is available to property owners living in Nevada County who have experienced severe weather-related property damage such as wildfires and snowstorms in recent years, according to Nevada County Assessor Rolf Kleinhans.
“We understand how devastating these events can be for property owners,” said Kleinhans. “Our goal is to provide timely relief and help residents recover by ensuring their property assessments reflect the damage they’ve sustained.”
The California Revenue and Taxation Code allows qualifying property owners impacted by misfortune or calamity may qualify for a temporary reduction in assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes. Millions of dollars in tax relief have been granted in recent years for storm-related property damage, said Kleinhans.
To qualify, property damage must exceed $10,000 in market value and applicants must file claims with the Assessor’s Office within one year of the calamity. If the damage meets the $10,000 threshold, the Assessor will temporarily reduce the property value while the damaged property is restored.
How the Process Works?
Once an application is received, the Assessor’s Office will:
- Appraise the property’s value before and after the damage to determine the percentage of loss.
- Reduce the assessed value based on the extent of the damage.
- Adjust the property tax bill accordingly.
Typically, claims are processed within 30 to 90 days after receiving all necessary documentation. Once the analysis is complete, the Assessor’s Office will notify property owners of their decision.
Important Reminders
- Property tax bills for damaged properties will continue to be mailed to the current address on file, unless the property owner submits a Change of Mailing Address Request form to the Assessor's Office. If a property is held in a trust, estate, LLC, corporation, or partnership, more information may be required.
- If the damaged property is rebuilt in a similar manner (typically within 5 years), the prior assessed value will be restored.
- Both installments of the property’s current annual secured tax bill will still be due. Adjustments to the tax bill will most often be completed with a supplemental assessment.
Need More Information?
If your property has been effected because of a recent calamity, you may download the Application for Misfortune or Calamity form on the Assessor’s website. If you have any additional questions, you may contact the Assessor’s Office directly at 530-265-1232, or assessor@nevadacountyca.gov.
