Los Angeles County Fires – Request for Help

As the fires burning throughout LA County continue to impact our communities, our thoughts remain with all those affected. While the immediate focus is on safety and containment, recovery efforts will soon take center stage. Initial reports indicate that over 10,000 properties have been damaged or destroyed, with more likely to be identified in the coming days.

In light of these events, I want to bring to your attention a crucial resource for property owners impacted by the fires: the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) Property Tax Relief Program . Under this program, properties damaged or destroyed by the fires may qualify for a reduction in assessed value, which could significantly ease the financial burden during the recovery process.

Key Details of the M&C Tax Relief Program:

Eligibility: Damage must exceed $10,000, and a claim form must be filed with the County Assessor’s office within 12 months of the damage.

Process: The Assessor’s office will verify claims, determine the cost to cure, and adjust the assessed value retroactively to the date the damage occurred.

Duration: The reduction remains in place until the property is repaired, rebuilt, or undergoes a change in ownership.

Tax Deferral: Filing a claim facilitates coordination with the Treasurer and Tax Collector, allowing eligible taxpayers to defer current year property taxes without incurring penalties.

The Assessor’s office is committed to assisting property owners through every step of this process. To file a claim or learn more, please visit the County Assessor’s disaster page at https://assessor.lacounty.gov/disaster, or contact their office at (213) 974-3211.

Let’s Work Together

As an association, we play a vital role in sharing resources with our communities. I encourage you to help disseminate this information through your personal and professional networks, whether by email, social media, or word of mouth. Together, we can ensure that this critical resource reaches those who need it most.

Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.

With heartfelt support,

Rian Barrett
CEO, Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors