Feeling Overcharged? How to Lower Your LA County Property Tax Bill This Year
If you suspect your home or commercial property is worth less today than what the tax collector claims, you might be eligible to slash your LA County property tax bill—but the clock is ticking.
The Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor announced that applications are now open for the Decline-in-Value Review (DIV). Property owners who believe their property’s market value dropped below its assessed value as of January 1 can request a temporary reassessment to lower their taxes.
The deadline to submit your application is November 30, giving local property owners a solid window to claim potential savings.
How Proposition 8 Works for Your Wallet
California’s tax system usually keeps your reassessments predictable. Under Proposition 13, passed back in 1978, your property’s base assessment value is set when you purchase it, and annual tax increases are capped at a modest 2% unless ownership changes or new construction occurs.
However, market downturns happen. That is where Proposition 8—and the Decline-in-Value Review—comes into play. It allows the County Assessor to temporarily drop your assessed value to match current market realities during economic cooling periods.
Key Facts for Applicants
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Eligibility: Property market value as of Jan 1 must be lower than the current assessed value.
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Form Required: Form RP-87 (Decline-in-Value Review Application).
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Submission Options: Available via mail or online at the Assessor’s official website.
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Deadline: November 30 (If it falls on a weekend or holiday, postmarks from the next business day are accepted).
The Fine Print: Temporary Relief, Not a Permanent Cut
Before you rush to file, keep in mind that a Decline-in-Value reduction is not a permanent tax discount.
If the real estate market rebounds in the future, the assessor will raise your property’s assessed value back up to match market levels. During a market recovery, your annual LA County property tax bill could jump by more than the typical 2% cap until it reaches the original Proposition 13 benchmark.
