Ask Phyllis!

Will Your Remodel Affect Your Taxes?

Dear Phyllis,
I have a question regarding property tax reassessments when an owner adds
additional square feet. My elderly aunt and uncle recently completed a remodel/addition to their home (adding about 800 square feet) and they have not received a property tax reassessment.  Could you outline the steps indicating who is responsible for notifying the county and the estimated time before they receive the supplemental tax notice?  They told me they did receive the certificate of occupancy indicating the additional square feet was added from their city but nothing from the county.  Are there any penalties involved? It’s been a little over a year. Any information would be appreciated.     Sincerely, G. Lee

A Dear G,
I contacted the L.A. County Tax Assessor’s office in Sylmar and spoke to Anna. I was told that if the addition is permitted, the Department of Building and Safety notifies the assessor of the addition. It will take approximately one year to be contacted by the assessor for the reevaluation.  There should be no action required by your aunt or uncle.

The assessor does not reassess the home’s value; it simply adds the value of the addition to your present base.

Present Tax Base:     $700,000
Value of Addition:      $60,000
_________________________
New Tax Base              $760,000

If the existing addition is not permitted, it is likely that it will never be known by the assessor and there will not be an increase in property taxes.  According to my conversation, it does not seem that any penalties will apply if it were called to the assessor’s attention at a later date.

You may contact the Sylmar office at (818) 833-6000.