LA County Fire Victims Can Get Property Tax Breaks

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Victims of property damage caused by recent wildfires may be eligible for lower property taxes, or even refunds of taxes already paid, Los Angeles County's assessor announced Tuesday.

"Wildfires cause major damage, and in some cases, devastating losses. The destruction of homes in particular is having a profound impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors," said Assessor Jeff Prang. "Taxpayers whose properties have been destroyed or severely damaged by these fires may be eligible for disaster relief on annual property tax bills, including in some cases refunds of taxes already paid."

Wildfires breaking out during an exceptional heat wave in Los Angeles County have prompted evacuations and damage to homes in Granada Hills, Pacific Palisades, Burbank, Chatsworth and Glassell Park.

Homeowners with $10,000 or more in property damage may be eligible for a property tax refund and lower annual tax bills until structures can be repaired or rebuilt.

The assessor's office is working with fire officials from various jurisdictions to identify affected properties.

Homeowners can call the office's disaster relief hotline at (213) 974- 8658, stop by a field office, use the website at https://assessor.lacounty.gov or reach out via social media @LACAssessor to get help with the claim submission process.

City News Service; Shutterstock