Property Tax Relief Is Available for Fire Damaged Property Owners in San Diego County

County Assessor Ernest Dronenburg announced to “all property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed during the recent wildfires that property tax relief is available. This tax relief program requires the reassessment of the property to reflect its damaged condition. The reduced value will remain in effect until such time as the property is rebuilt or repaired.”  

“More importantly, after the property is rebuilt or repaired, the owners can retain their previous taxable value if the property is rebuilt in a like or similar manner,” stated Dronenburg. “This means that the property tax assessment will not increase beyond what it was prior to the fire,” added Dronenburg.  

This tax relief is available for any property damage including homes and out buildings, commercial and industrial properties, and mobile homes. Damage to vehicles and the contents of a home such as furniture are not eligible for this tax relief because it is not taxable. (See the attached information sheet and calamity claim form.)  

“The Assessor’s office will proactively mail property tax relief applications to affected property owners.” Dronenburg said. “I would also like to strongly encourage all property owners who suffered fire damage to their property in excess of $10,000 to contact his office for the necessary claim form at (619) 531-4993 or by visiting the Assessor’s website at sdarcc.com.” 

Read updates on the other San Diego County Wildfires here: Thursday San Diego County Firestorm Coverage.

—Office of the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk County of San Diego