Arcadia Officials Issue Property Tax "Scam Alert"

According to the City of Arcadia’s website, various private companies are again sending mailings to local property owners offering services in pursuit of a reduction in their property taxes. According to the alert, these companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file for a reduction in value on behalf of the property owner, and some companies are even imposing late fees if the application is received after an arbitrary deadline.

The alert asks citizens to be aware that any solicitations from private companies offering a reduction in property taxes must clearly indicate that they are not a government agency and that their services are not approved or endorsed by any government agency. Failure to provide such notice is a violation of California law. City officials have also asked those who may receive an illegal solicitation to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 973-3370, or visit their website at dca.lacounty.gov.

These reviews are fraudulent because there is no reason to pay for a review that has been done for free. Property owners should be aware that their property may have been included in a review the Assessor’s Office did for 2009. The review included single family homes and condominiums purchased between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2008. All owners whose property was included in the review were notified in writing last June. Owners who disagree with the results of the review, or who were not included in the review, may file an application through December 31. The “decline-in-value” form is easy to complete and available on the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s website. There is no charge for a review.

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