Kern County Assessor-Recorder
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Recording Fees Set for Dramatic Increase in 2018
California Senate Bill 2, recently passed in the state legislature and expected to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown, will increase recording fees on some documents by $75, with a maximum increase of $225 for related transactions. Proceeds go to state and local programs for affordable housing and for assistance to persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Text, history and legislative votes on the bill can be found here. Real estate sales are exempted from the new fees.
2017-2018 Assessed Values can be Found Online
The property tax roll for the 2017-2018 tax year was finalized on July 1st 2017. Individual property assessed values can be found here. If you believe that your assessed value exceeds market value or that your property is valued in error, please call the Assessor’s Office at (661) 868-3485 to discuss with an appraiser. Deadline for an informal review or a formal appeal of 2017-2018 lien date assessments is November 30, 2017.
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 Treasurer Tax-Collector has a helpful tool for calculating your potential bill or refund resulting from a property transfer or new construction.
No Fee is Necessary for a Value Review or an Assessment Appeal
Over the years, numerous private firms have issued statewide mass mailing, some of them looking like official government paperwork, advising property owners that for a fee, sometimes in the range of several hundred dollars, the issuer will assist the property owner in having his or her property assessment reviewed or appealed. The services charged for in these mailings offer nothing that the taxpayer cannot accomplish, free of charge, with a simple phone call.
Each year, the Assessor reviews tens of thousands of properties for a potential reduction in value. Currently, approximately 35,000 Kern County property owners realize a reduction in their Proposition 13 base value. If the Assessor is unable to resolve a disputed value, filing an assessment appeal is cost free.
The Assessor is committed to producing a correct assessment roll for all Kern County property owners. All review requests, from individuals or commercial firms, are taken 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