Assessor’s Office completes reassessment of properties affected by the Mountain Fire

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has completed reassessments for 165 properties that suffered damage or were destroyed in the Mountain Fire in November 2024. Affected property owners will receive adjusted assessments reflecting reductions in value due to fire damage, as provided under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 170.

California law allows property owners who experience damage or destruction due to a disaster, such as a wildfire, earthquake, or flood – to apply for temporary property tax relief. This provision ensures that property taxes are based on the property’s reduced value until repairs or reconstruction are complete.

“It was important for us to reduce the value of the damaged property as quickly as possible to ensure property owners receive the tax relief they deserve,” stated County Assessor Keith Taylor. “Upon completion of repairs the assessment will return to the value prior to the calamity if the rebuilt home is in a like and similar manner to the property prior to the damage or destruction.”

Key Points on Property Tax Relief (CA Revenue & Taxation Code Section 170):

• Property owners may apply for reassessment if their property is damaged by a disaster.
• The temporary tax reduction is based on the extent of damage and remains in effect until repairs or reconstruction are completed.
• Eligible properties must have suffered at least $10,000 in damage to qualify.
• The deadline to apply for reassessment varies by county but is typically within 12 months of the disaster.

The Assessor’s Office continues to review all properties impacted by the Mountain Fire to ensure that all eligible property owners receive the appropriate tax adjustments. If your property was damaged or destroyed and you have questions about property tax relief, please contact the Ventura County Assessor’s Office at (805) 654-2181 or via email at assessor.info@ventura.org.