Reassess Your Property Taxes After The Loss
Recovering from the Palisades Fire? Don’t Overpay Now on Property Taxes. Your Resources Will Be Needed Elsewhere.
If your home or structures on your Malibu property were destroyed or significantly damaged in the Palisades Fire or a similar disaster, you may be eligible for a temporary reduction in your property taxes. California law provides relief for property owners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed due to calamities, such as wildfires.
Why Pay Taxes on a Home That No Longer Exists?
Property taxes are based on the assessed value of both land and improvements. If your home, guest house, garage, or other structures were lost in the fire, your property’s value has likely decreased. Without reassessment, you could continue paying taxes on improvements that no longer exist.
By filing for a reassessment with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office, you may be able to reduce your tax bill to reflect the current condition of the property—often just the land value. This can result in thousands of dollars in annual savings until your property is rebuilt and restored.
Learn How to File a Property Tax Appeal
You may qualify for relief through the Assessor’s “Decline-in-Value” program or by filing the “Application for Reassessment for Property Damage or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity” (Form ADS-820). Required documentation typically includes:
- Proof of damage (e.g., photos, inspection reports, FEMA Report(s), Goggle Earth views)
- Insurance claim documents
- Estimates for rebuilding or repair
- Explanation of the event (e.g., Palisades Fire)
- FEMA Clean-up Documents
- Any previous appraisals or Broker Opinions of Value
Free Webinar: Understand Your Rights and Options
To assist residents, the City of Malibu is hosting a free webinar featuring officials from the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office. Experts will walk you through the steps needed to apply for tax relief.
Date: Today, June 17
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM
Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83076117605#success
Topics include:
- Who qualifies for reassessment
- What forms and evidence are required
- How long the reduced tax value lasts
- How to restore your assessment, post-rebuild
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Additional Resources to Support Your Recovery
Malibu residents affected by the Palisades Fire maybe eligible for additional assistance beyond property tax relief:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA offers disaster recovery assistance to individuals and families whose primary residence was affected.
Apply at: www.disasterassistance.gov
FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
Cal Fire – Rebuilding and Recovery
Cal Fire provides wildfire recovery information, including safety assessments and rebuilding guidelines.
Visit: www.fire.ca.gov
City of Malibu – Disaster Recovery Center
The City of Malibu maintains an online Disaster Recovery Resource Center, offering guidance on:
- Permit streamlining for fire rebuilds
- Temporary housing permits
- Utility reconnection
More info: www.malibucity.org/recovery
Malibu Rebuild Assistance: 310-456-2489, ext. 385 -
Need Help? G10 Law is Here to Assist
Navigating disaster recovery and government programs can be overwhelming. At G10 Law, we support Malibu homeowners throughout this process. Our team can help:
- Prepare your tax reassessment application
- Compile necessary documents
- Coordinate with the Assessor’s Office and other agencies
- Advise on additional recovery paths and ways to create value
Contact Us Today: 760-431-4575
Serving Malibu and Greater Los Angeles County
Don't pay more than you owe—get the relief you're entitled to as you rebuild.
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