October 13, 1999
Gregory J. Smith, County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
(619) 531-5507

 TAXPAYER ALERT

County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Gregory J. Smith would like to alert property owners in San Diego County that they may receive solicitations from a private company indicating that they will file a Homeowner Assistance Claim in order to receive a property tax refund for a fee of up to $36. This company charges a fee for a service the taxpayers can do for themselves at no cost. The solicitation is sent by the "Senior Advisory Center, Home Assistance Program". This is a private, for-profit company not affiliated with any government agency.

According to Smith, the State-sponsored California State Homeowner Assistance program pays property taxes on the first $34,000 of assessed value for qualified property owners who are over the age of 62 or disabled and who had a household income of less than $33,132. Homeowners must be United States citizens and have owned and lived in their home on December 31, 1998. The assistance is on a sliding scale according to annual income with a maximum payment of $326.40.

Homeowner Assistance Claim Booklets are available free of charge from the State Franchise Tax Board by calling (800) 852-5711. As a service to the public, forms are also available at the San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk's Office by calling (619) 531-5559.