Kern County Assessor-Recorder
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Parent-Child Exclusion Limited after February 15
With the passage of Proposition 19 in November, the parent-child exclusion, currently allowing an exemption from reappraisal of up to $1 million in property transferred from parent to child or child to parent, applies only to owner occupied residences or family farms after February 15, 2021. (Family farm need not include a residence to qualify for the exclusion.)
Proposition 19 expands the portability of an owner's Prop 13 tax base for homeowners 55 and over, severely disabled, or the victim of fire or natural disaster, allowing base year transfers to any county in the state after April 1, 2021.
The State Board of Equalization is tracking interpretation and efforts at implementation of the new law and provides the latest Proposition 19 information on their website.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
Please note that one requirement for assistance is that the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19. A death certificate may be purchased in person at the Kern County Hall of Records or online, through a third party, for an additional processing fee.
California REAL ID
Effective May 3, 2023, the Federal REAL ID Act establishes new standards determining which forms of identification may be used to board commercial air carriers. Passengers using a California Driver’s License to verify identity will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to travel by air. The Recorder's Office encourages customers to review the DMV’s checklist for acquiring a REAL ID. Requirements may include obtaining a copy of a birth and/or marriage certificate and possibly amending one or more records for accuracy.
For information about amending a record, please visit the California Department of Public Health's website.
Recorder Anti-Fraud Fee
Pursuant to Government Code § 27388 and a 2014 resolution by the Kern County Board of Supervisors, a $10 anti-fraud fee is attached to the recording of several real estate instruments. The fee goes to support local law enforcement efforts to combat real estate fraud. The Real Estate Anti-Fraud Advisory Coalition (REAAC) provides information to prevent real estate fraud, tools for discovery and links for reporting suspected fraud activity. Click here to visit their site.Notice of Supplemental Assessment
A Notice of Supplemental Assessment relates to a new assessment resulting from a change in ownership or new construction.
Mid-year changes in assessed value will result in the issuance of either a Supplemental Bill or Supplemental Refund. The supplemental process is explained here, or you can contact the Assessor’s Office for answers to questions regarding your supplemental notice: (661) 868-3485
The Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector has a helpful tool for calculating your potential bill or refund resulting from a property transfer or new construction.
The Assessor is committed to producing a correct assessment roll for all Kern County property owners. Review requests, from individuals or commercial firms, are accepted between July 2 and November 30 each year.
Check for Foreclosure Notices and Tax Liens:
http://recorderonline.co.kern.ca.us/cgi-bin/osearchg.mbr/input