Just Got Our CA Property Tax Bill

[Yldboyz]

Your problem was that you pulled a permit

 

[CLdrinker]

$47,000 ish, it’s $178 a month, zero down, at 3. 1/2% interest. We get a $15,000 ish tax credit in April when we do our taxes. That tax credit has to be applied to the loan to keep the payment at $178 a month. If not, it goes to $250 ish a month. It’s for 25 years.

It works out to a savings of $80 a month in the winter months and $400 a month in the summer months, instead of our SCE bill.

That’s a good deal if it’s your forever house. Unfortunately if you go to sell you will not get 30,000 more for your house because solar is paid for.

 

[lbhsbz]

$47,000 ish, it’s $178 a month, zero down, at 3. 1/2% interest. We get a $15,000 ish tax credit in April when we do our taxes. That tax credit has to be applied to the loan to keep the payment at $178 a month. If not, it goes to $250 ish a month. It’s for 25 years.

It works out to a savings of $80 a month in the winter months and $400 a month in the summer months, instead of our SCE bill.

At ZERO interest, that's a 22 year loan. lol.

 

[angiebaby]

I thought the reason people left a wall when tearing down a dwelling in CA was to avoid paying school fees involved in a new build.

 

[Done-it-again]

That’s a good deal if it’s your forever house. Unfortunately if you go to sell you will not get 30,000 more for your house because solar is paid for.

used to the that too. I bet if there were 2 identical houses side by side and one had solar and priced higher it would sell first. Especially if you knew what power was costing monthly.

 

[Bobby V]

I thought the reason people left a wall when tearing down a dwelling in CA was to avoid paying school fees involved in a new build.

I thought they left 1 wall up was so they would be able to get a permit for a remodel and not a new build.

 

[dribble]

When I built a 960 sq ft breezeway barn and wired and plumbed it, my property taxes didn’t go up at all. Possibly because I forgot to tell the building dept. about it.

 

[NicPaus]

I thought the reason people left a wall when tearing down a dwelling in CA was to avoid paying school fees involved in a new build.

That has not been the case for at least 20 years in Torrance and 14 in Redondo Beach. It helps keep the existing setbacks that's about it.

In both cases I mentioned it screwed them on resale a few years later. As the house was listed as a 1958 build and a 1970s build. Permit fees, new building codes, property taxes etc were not avoided.

 

[angiebaby]

Where we live, we don’t need government permission to add on or build a garage.


Edit: I can see what that would not be ideal in urban areas, though.

 

[Ducksquasher]

Question...if you add-on a patio, breezeway or anything really and not pull a permit, etc. and something happens where you file a homeowner's insurance claim are there any issues on the insurance side, reason to deny, etc.?

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Assessed value is $1,247,000, so $15,647 property tax for the year sounds high, doesn’t it?

I would look at your previous tax bill to see what your past assessment was for. Most likely, your property was re-assessed with the addition.

To be honest, government is always looking for a reason to tax you more. When you make a change, you bring yourself to the attention of those that want to tax.

Taxes vary from county to county, but they can't exceed 1.25% in CA unless there is Mello Roos.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Question...if you add-on a patio, breezeway or anything really and not pull a permit, etc. and something happens where you file a homeowner's insurance claim are there any issues on the insurance side, reason to deny, etc.?

Could the insurance company prove that you were the one that did the addition or modification?

 

[havasujeeper]

Most people just claim it was this way when you purchased the house.

 

[Ziggy]

Appeal it. Don't wait, start the process now.

Unless there is a glaring error in their assessment this usually works against you.

 

[MCnParker]

Permit = Reassessed , When we added on 11 years ago the foundation had just been poured and some crazy ass lady from the county showed up at our door. Fortunately all the work was in the back yard and no-one was working that day so I told her to kick rocks..

 

[Ducksquasher]

Could the insurance company prove that you were the one that did the addition or modification?

Not sure...As an example if I added a patio and did it myself without a permit is it covered by my homeowner's insurance?

 

[Ziggy]

Where we live, we don’t need government permission to add on or build a garage.

Lol, you can do that at the Islander?? How cool

 

[havasujeeper]

Years ago, I did a backyard makeover, which included a pool. It cost me $33,900, but much was spent on landscaping. I got assessed at $33,900 on my property taxes. I appealed because landscaping and decorative walls are not supposed to be assessed for bigger property taxes. I won, and it was reduced to $20K.

The next year, I pulled permits and built an additional family room, with a fireplace and pool table. It cost me $25k. I was assessed at $50k, so I appealed again. This time I lost because they said IF a contractor was to build it, it would have cost me $200 a sq ft. I fought back saying that I built it for only $100 a sq ft. My appeal was once again denied, saying most people couldn't build an addition on their own. Man, was I pissed.

 

[Taboma]

Where we live, we don’t need government permission to add on or build a garage.

Well that should lead to some extremely "Interesting" code interpretations.

 

[angiebaby]

Well that should lead to some extremely "Interesting" code interpretations.

No code. Build what you want. Buyer beware. LOL

The only inspections are for well and septic, for public safety purposes.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Not sure...As an example if I added a patio and did it myself without a permit is it covered by my homeowner's insurance?

Most likely it is covered. Depending on the county, there are a lot of illegal additions to homes. Here in San Diego, I see unpermitted additions everyday. However, in Riverside County it is not commonplace at all. During the real estate downfall of 2009-2013, building inspectors would actually follow contractors going to worksites to cite the property if they did not pull permits. I even heard of inspectors driving around and peaking over fences. They were trying to rationalize their job at the time because they were on the chopping block.

 

[Taboma]

No code. Build what you want. Buyer beware. LOL

The only inspections are for well and septic, for public safety purposes.

Burned alive in your bedroom or having a beam land on your head ------ NOT public Safety concerns in Montana --- Noted

 

[angiebaby]

Burned alive in your bedroom or having a beam land on your head ------ NOT public Safety concerns in Montana --- Noted

It’s a dangerous place. Not for the weak or imbecile

 

[hallett21]

Most likely it is covered. Depending on the county, there are a lot of illegal additions to homes. Here in San Diego, I see unpermitted additions everyday. However, in Riverside County it is not commonplace at all. During the real estate downfall of 2009-2013, building inspectors would actually follow contractors going to worksites to cite the property if they did not pull permits. I even heard of inspectors driving around and peaking over fences. They were trying to rationalize their job at the time because they were on the chopping block.

And they use google earth now

 

[Cole Trickle]

And they use google earth now

I love it when the nosy inspector comes to check out a new pool build and goes out of his way to peep over peoples walls and ruin there day...lol

Neighbor had a very nice un permitted shed/storage deal in his backyard and the guy caught it while looking at a neighbors pool build. Luckily he built it to code but it was alot more costly for the reengineering and permits they made him get.

 

[boatpi]

Here’s want some people don’t realize about proposition 13. It’s a 3% per year cap on property tax.
But the 3% ticker keeps going every year even though they might not increase yearly in a down year.

Alit is a 3% money bank always ticking, and then if the County decides you’re home value increases a lot significantly, you could pay a 9%, because it may be the assessment only increased at one percent for the last year or two . Then county will slap the 9% or the difference on in one year. Again, a 3% clock that never stops ticking.

 

[samsah33]

Was gonna put this gem in one of the "I Love California" threads, but since y'all are complaining about CA taxes, thought you might get a kick out of this.

Now I'm not doing cross country trips on private jets, but on the other hand, I'm not missing any meals either... Regardless, the good state of CA automatically sent my 2 daughters EBT cards with $250 balances...!!! Wife called CA and she said it must be a mistake, they said that everyone gets them and we should keep them because they might get reloaded. I think it's because my kids were automatically enrolled in free lunches at school...

Many thanks CA taxpayers, we've had a couple really nice dinners on your (...and my...) dime. I'll just consider this as a tax refund for now. (personal info redacted)

 

[havasujeeper]

When I purchased this house, I had T-111 siding on two exterior walls. I called a stucco guy to fix the ugly wood. He asked if I was pulling a permit. I figured "why not?" I went to the city to get the permit, and the idiot tells it is up to him to decide if I can apply stucco. He Google Earthed the area, and gave me his blessing to rip out the termite infested wood and replace with stucco. He then tells me the permit price would be $900, for a $3k stucco job. I told him to pound sand, and payed the stucco guys an extra hundred to do the work on Saturdays, when the nosey inspectors were home buffing their Carreras.
At least I tried being legal, but not charging me 30% for a piece of paper!

 

[NicPaus]

Here’s want some people don’t realize about proposition 13. It’s a 3% per year cap on property tax.
But the 3% ticker keeps going every year even though they might not increase yearly in a down year.

Alit is a 3% money bank always ticking, and then if the County decides you’re home value increases a lot significantly, you could pay a 9%, because it may be the assessment only increased at one percent for the last year or two . Then county will slap the 9% or the difference on in one year. Again, a 3% clock that never stops ticking.

This. I had 1 that had never been increased in 30 years. Pulled a permit and the assessor was there the next week asking what type of materials were being used. Tile or stone. Solid doors or hollow. He had a whole list.

 

[Taboma]

It’s a dangerous place. Not for the weak or imbecile

Yup, my wife's sister and hubby live south of Hamilton on his mom's 'Family' home they've been restoring. We enjoy the Christmas pics with them dressed in more clothes than we own

 

[NicPaus]

Just checked zillow. Last one I mentioned they must of won the appeal. They assessed at current value in 2020.

 

[Mikes56]

That’s a good deal if it’s your forever house. Unfortunately if you go to sell you will not get 30,000 more for your house because solar is paid for.

My wife and I made the decision that it’s our forever house. We were gonna move to Havasu, but not so sure now.

Ive got my new garage, RV parking with hookups and a grey water dump, solar, new roof, new septic tank, and the inside of the house is decorated like my wife wants. Guess we’re staying.

If either of us become victims of a crime, the house will go for sale the next day.

 

[C-2]

And they use google earth now

Yup, that GIS mapping system. They sent me a letter about building a new shed without a permit, but the shed was simply a large water trough for the horses.

 

[CarolynandBob]

No code. Build what you want. Buyer beware. LOL

The only inspections are for well and septic, for public safety purposes.

Same in TN. At least the county where ours is. Built a 30 x 40 shop. Only permit was the $150 electric permit as I needed a separate meter. Zero PT increase.

 

[wet hull]

We just got our letter yesterday from San Diego recorder. It's says that we were reassed for unfinished construction for the added amount of $245,000. If we don't feel our property would have sold for a extra $245,000 as of Jan 1 2023 we can dispute.

WTF?? We are building a ADU that is large, 1150 sq ft with a garage. 1750 sq ft total on structure. We also added a 20x40 pool that isnt done yet. I have built every bit myself so only have materials cost, I did trade some labor for tractor work on subs property. In Jan the pool was just a shell, no coping or hardscape. The ADU was the same, just framing, siding and roofing. I just finished the ADU but don't have final yet, I did get occupancy while I knock out small list. All in the ADU was $235k and change, it easily would be around $400-450k if I had hired a contractor but I am a Lic GC and cheap. Pool, I am all in for $70k with equipment and hardacape. Question is, should I even dispute this? Or take it as a win?I don't know if they will reasses further if I don't dispute now that it is all done. Or will they come back and hit me for another $250k on top of their last reassement after final inspection is signed off? Other factors are home prices leveling out, definitely not dropping where I am at in Vista.

 

[84miller]

Assessed value is $1,247,000, so $15,647 property tax for the year sounds high, doesn’t it?

Taxes start at the purchase price at 1.5%. In CA, prop 13 allows a max of 2% per year added to your assessed value. Example 200k original purchase price first tax year .. $3000.00 year property tax bill. Next year proper is re assessed 2% higher, new value 204K property bill $3060.00. Continues every year. Had my place for 23 years, started at 225K assessment, this year's assessment 314K. So pay attention to your asset value on your property tax bill. Your $1,247,000 assessment should be $18,705 a year. Note this is the base tax. Then look at the school bonds and other taxes (voted bonds). Never vote yes on any bond. So see if you can get the addition re-accessed.

 

[hallett21]

We just got our letter yesterday from San Diego recorder. It's says that we were reassed for unfinished construction for the added amount of $245,000. If we don't feel our property would have sold for a extra $245,000 as of Jan 1 2023 we can dispute.

WTF?? We are building a ADU that is large, 1150 sq ft with a garage. 1750 sq ft total on structure. We also added a 20x40 pool that isnt done yet. I have built every bit myself so only have materials cost, I did trade some labor for tractor work on subs property. In Jan the pool was just a shell, no coping or hardscape. The ADU was the same, just framing, siding and roofing. I just finished the ADU but don't have final yet, I did get occupancy while I knock out small list. All in the ADU was $235k and change, it easily would be around $400-450k if I had hired a contractor but I am a Lic GC and cheap. Pool, I am all in for $70k with equipment and hardacape. Question is, should I even dispute this? Or take it as a win?I don't know if they will reasses further if I don't dispute now that it is all done. Or will they come back and hit me for another $250k on top of their last reassement after final inspection is signed off? Other factors are home prices leveling out, definitely not dropping where I am at in Vista. View attachment 1290507 View attachment 1290508 View attachment 1290509 View attachment 1290510 View attachment 1290511 View attachment 1290512 View attachment 1290513 View attachment 1290514 View attachment 1290515 View attachment 1290516 View attachment 1290517 View attachment 1290518

What did you write down for a project value on the permits?

Unfinished construction sounds like they’ll be back again.

 

[84miller]

We just got our letter yesterday from San Diego recorder. It's says that we were reassed for unfinished construction for the added amount of $245,000. If we don't feel our property would have sold for a extra $245,000 as of Jan 1 2023 we can dispute.

WTF?? We are building a ADU that is large, 1150 sq ft with a garage. 1750 sq ft total on structure. We also added a 20x40 pool that isnt done yet. I have built every bit myself so only have materials cost, I did trade some labor for tractor work on subs property. In Jan the pool was just a shell, no coping or hardscape. The ADU was the same, just framing, siding and roofing. I just finished the ADU but don't have final yet, I did get occupancy while I knock out small list. All in the ADU was $235k and change, it easily would be around $400-450k if I had hired a contractor but I am a Lic GC and cheap. Pool, I am all in for $70k with equipment and hardacape. Question is, should I even dispute this? Or take it as a win?I don't know if they will reasses further if I don't dispute now that it is all done. Or will they come back and hit me for another $250k on top of their last reassement after final inspection is signed off? Other factors are home prices leveling out, definitely not dropping where I am at in Vista. View attachment 1290507 View attachment 1290508 View attachment 1290509 View attachment 1290510 View attachment 1290511 View attachment 1290512 View attachment 1290513 View attachment 1290514 View attachment 1290515 View attachment 1290516 View attachment 1290517 View attachment 1290518

Nice work. Sadly, the assessment is not based on what you spend, it is based on what the county determines the added improvements value to your property.

 

[84miller]

Question...if you add-on a patio, breezeway or anything really and not pull a permit, etc. and something happens where you file a homeowner's insurance claim are there any issues on the insurance side, reason to deny, etc.?

Believe it or not, county people keep a visual eye on homes. Ariel pictures are taken and reviewed. Any changes noticed in the images will be investigated.

 

[wet hull]

What did you write down for a project value on the permits?

Unfinished construction sounds like they’ll be back again.

Originally we put $150k for ADU and pool at $35k. I'm sure they will be back, was surprised they assessed like they did. What if we never finished and its just stayed a shell forever. Gotta love CA

 

[Sportin' Wood]

@angiebaby SSSHushhhhhhhh. Montana sucks; that's why we are at Islander, comfortably restricted within the tight embrace of controls and oversight. I love the not-so-subtle reminders to follow rules and comply. It frees me from having to make choices.

I once heard that the rebar sticking up on all the homes in Baja was because they could claim they never finished building. Maybe this is a good strategy?