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Property Tax Information

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Assessor Pamphlets

What Does The Assessor Do? - a summary of the Assessor's responsibilities and the property tax and assessment process
Builder's Exclusion - Be Sure To File Timely! - explains how owner-builders may avoid paying supplemental taxes.
Exemptions / Religious - Thou Shalt Pay Unless - explains how religious organizations may avoid paying property taxes.
Homeowner's Exemption - It's Not Much, But It's Free - explains how homeowners may exclude $7,000 of assessed value from taxation.
Prop 58 - Parent Child - Keeping It In The Family - explains how parents and their children may transfer property without being reappraised.
Prop 60 - Seniors - Protect your Prop 13 Base - explains how people over the age of 55 may obtain tax relief by transferring their base year value to a replacement dwelling when purchasing a new home.
Split/Combination/LBA - Where Boundaries Change - explains the splitting and combining of parcels and land boundary adjustments.
Prop 8 Reductions - These Assessments Are Too High! The Declining Market - explains how to get a temporary reduction on property assessments that are above current market value.
Disabled Veteran's Exemption - explains how veterans may obtain property tax relief.
Welfare Exemption - explains how qualifying welfare property may be exempt from taxation.
What Happens When I Build On My Property? - explains what happens to the assessed value of property when a parcel is improved.
What Happens When I Buy A Home? - explains the tax implications of buying a home.
Exclusions - Is It Reappraisable When I ...? - explains some of the various exclusions from reappraisal found in California 's property tax law.
The Taxation Of Mobile Homes - defines mobile homes and explains how they are taxed.
Business Property - The Business Property section of the Assessor's Office is responsible for tracking and assessing business machinery and equipment in Santa Cruz County. As part of this process we also perform compliance audits and site visits.
The Calamity Adjustment - When Disaster Strikes - explains how taxpayers may acquire property tax relief when their property is damaged.

Related Information

Starting a Business in Santa Cruz - This pamphlet, compiled by the Santa Cruz Library and reproduced by the Santa Cruz County Assessor provides many valuable resources which are helpful in starting a business in Santa Cruz.

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