Frequently Asked Questions
This page is for General Questions and they are listed below. FAQs
for specific sections are on their own page, and those links are provided
below as well.
Business Property Statement Questions
Homeowners’ Exemption Questions
Boat/Watercraft Property Tax Questions
General Questions
Q: Are
there special programs available for Senior Citizens?
A: The
Property Tax Postponement Program allows qualified seniors to postpone
payment of property
taxes until the individual moves, sells the property or dies. For
information, contact the State Controller’s Office at 1-800-952-5661.
The
Property Tax Assistance Program for Seniors and Blind/Disabled Persons
provides cash reimbursement for qualified individuals. For information,
contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711.
Q: If I
give property to my children, will it be reassessed?
A:
Legislation was passed in 1986 excluding from reassessment transfers
between parents and children of the principal residence and $1 million
assessed value of other property. A claim form must be timely filed
with the Assessor’s Office to qualify. For additional information
regarding this exclusion, contact our office at 209-468-2658.
This form is available online. Click here to
go to forms.
Q: I am
over 55 and wish to move to a smaller home. Will my taxes go up?
A:
Legislation was passed in 1986 allowing those 55 and over to transfer the
assessed value of their principal residence to a replacement residence in
the same county if the value of the new residence is equal to or less than
that of the original residence when sold. A claim form must be timely
filed with the Assessor’s Office to qualify. San Joaquin County does not
accept transfers from other counties. For additional information
regarding this exclusion, contact our office at 209-468-2658.
This form is available online. Click here to
go to forms.
Q: If I
have an addition to my home, will you reappraise the entire property?
A: No.
Only the value of your new addition will be added to your current assessed
value.
Q: If I
do the work myself, will I only be assessed on the cost of the materials?
A: No. New
construction is assessed at the market value added to the property.
Q: If I
add my spouse on the deed to my property , will it be reappraised?
A: No.
Transfers between spouses do not constitute a reappraisal event.
Q: Is
property assessed at the price paid?
A: Not
always. Real property is valued at its current market value at the time
it changes ownership. In a majority of cases, the sales price equals
market value, but not always.
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