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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2018
Contact: Robert Kalonian (213) 974-3101
GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL ENSURING FAIRNESS & EQUALITY IN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
LOS ANGELES, CA – Governor Jerry Brown has
signed AB 2663 extending property tax
relief to registered domestic partners who were previously denied equal
treatment under the State’s property tax system. The bill, sponsored by L.A.
County Assessor Jeff Prang and carried by Assemblymember Laura Friedman
(D-Glendale), passed in both chambers of the State Legislature with bipartisan support and no opposition.
AB 2663 provides access to the “interspousal exclusion,” which permits the transfer of real estate
between spouses without triggering a re-assessment under Proposition 13 that
could prompt significantly higher property taxes. This is of particular
importance in cases where one spouse has died and the surviving spouse inherits
their family home.
“My first priority as Assessor is to ensure fair
treatment in the property tax system,” stated Assessor Prang. “When a
constituent who had been personally affected by this inequity in the law
approached my office, it was immediately clear to me that we needed to take
action. I am grateful to Assemblymember Laura Friedman for shepherding this
important bill through the Legislature, and to Equality California for their
tireless advocacy."
The incremental march toward marriage equality entailed many local jurisdictions in
California adopting domestic partner registries, followed in 1999 by the
creation of a state registry – the first of its kind in the US enacted without
court intervention. However, not all domestic partners who previously registered at the local level re-registered with the
state; these families were not included as
the tax relief benefit was expanded in 2006 to domestic partners registered
with the state. AB 2663 remedies this disparity.
“No one should be at risk of losing their home as a result of the death of a partner. AB 2663
closes an unintended loophole and ensures that all couples have equal access to
benefits, including tax relief,” said Assemblymember Friedman, who represents
the 43rd District.
“For too long, some registered domestic partners have
unfairly paid more in property taxes due to the death of a partner,” stated Equality
California executive director Rick Zbur. “We are grateful for Assemblymember
Friedman’s and Assessor Prang’s leadership on correcting this injustice.”
Couples who registered locally from January 1, 2000 to
June 26, 2015 will be able to file with their respective county assessors’
offices for re-assessment reversal so that future tax bills reflect the
original base values, lowering the tax burdens. These applications will be
available soon and must be received by assessors no later than June 30, 2022.
For additional information on the new law, or to obtain
the needed forms, contact the L.A. County Assessor’s Office at 213/974-3101 or
pio@assessor.lacounty.gov.
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ABOUT THE OFFICE OF ASSESSOR JEFF PRANG
Assessor Jeff Prang leads the largest local assessment agency in the US. His team of 1400 appraisers and support staff are dedicated to identifying and appraising real estate and business property across the county and creating an accurate and timely assessment roll. The agency was recognized in 2017 with the most prestigious award in assessment administration by the International Association of Assessing Officers. In 2018, it appraised 2.57 million properties collectively valued at a record $1.51 trillion. For more information, connect with us on social media: @lacassessor.
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