DECLINE-IN-VALUE INC Assisting Taxpayers Since 2001

<body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <p align=center style='text-align:center'><a name=top></a><img width=32 height=32 id="_x0000_i1025" src=divlogo.jpg></p> <p>If your real estate has lost value due to the recent housing bubble, like most of us in California, we can help you save money. </p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>How can we help?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>What we can do is make sure that you only pay taxes on the fair, and current value of your property, as defined by the California State Revenue and Taxation Code.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>What does that mean?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>Your property is assigned an assessed value as of January 1st each year, in California. You pay your property taxes based on this assessment, in 2 installments.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>Where does that value come from?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>The County Assessors Office, in your county, determines the assessed property value using a "New Base Value" or an "Adjusted Base Value".<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>How do they determine that value?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>They must follow the rules of the R & T Code:<br> <br> "A property’s original base value is its 1975-76 market value. A new base value is set by reappraisal whenever there is a change in ownership or new construction. Except for change in ownership or new construction, the base value is increased by 2% per year (or less if the California Consumer Price Index is less than 2%)".<br> <br> However, in any given year the Adjusted Base Value may not truly reflect the current market value of your specific property, especially when real property values are declining!<br> <br> The California CPI may remain flat or even rise while the current market value of your property declines, 5%, 10%, 20% or more. Some owners may actually see an increase in taxes, while others get reductions, because all properties have not gained or lost value at the same rate.<br> <br> The County Assessors Office does not, and cannot, reappraise every property every year. They use a "Mass Appraisal" model.<br> <br> And that is the key. All properties have not gained or lost value at the same rate!<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>What we do<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>What we do is preliminary research and an evaluation on your specific property, to determine it's current market value as defined by the R & T Code, and determine if you are a candidate for a property tax reduction. <br> <br> If we determine that your property is fairly assessed, you pay nothing, and you have lost nothing.<br> <br> If we determine that an assessment appeal is in order, you still pay nothing.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>What do you need from me?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>We need a copy of your current tax bill, a signed Agency and Fee Agreement, and a signed appeal form. We will supply and complete the appeal form based on our analysis, however we will need your signature in most counties. If your property produces income (commercial, rental), we will need a copy of the rent roll and expense information. That's all we need to start!<br> <br> With your signed Agency Agreement and appeal form, we file the appeal for you.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>How long does this process take?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>Assessment appeals must be filed between July 2nd and Sept 15th of the year that is being appealed. It can be a long process. The R & T Code allows the County Assessors Office up to 2 years to hear your case, and it can take that long. (Always pay your taxes on time; most reductions will come in the form of a refund or rebate)<br> <br> Once the appeal is filed, we contact and negotiate with the County Assessors Office, provide documentation for our claims, and attend all hearings in your behalf. Which may include, a hearing in front of a Hearing Officer, and/or hearing with the County Assessment Board, and in some cases the State Board of Equalization.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>Could I do this myself?<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><br> <br> </b>Sure. <br> <br> If you had the information needed, knowledge, and time, you could do this yourself.<br> <br> And if you have read everything to this point, you already know more about your property taxes and property tax appeals than 90% of the Californian's that don't work for the County Assessor!<br> <br> However the County Assessors Office will appear with experts in their behalf, and if your money is important to you, you should too!<br> <br> All of the associates and most of the staff at Decline in Value are California State Licensed and Certified Real Estate Appraisers, licensed by the OREA (Office of Real Estate Appraisers), and everyone is required to study and know the R & T Code. We are in the other 10%!<br> <br> We are experts. We have the information, knowledge, time and experience, but we cannot guarantee a reduction in your taxes, no one can.<br> <br> But if Decline in Value cannot reduce your tax liability, there is NO charge! <br> <br> That is our guarantee! It's in our Fee Agreement!<br> <br> If we don't reduce your taxes, you pay nothing!<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>Print, sign and return the <a href="..\agency.pdf">Agency</a> and <a href="..\fee.pdf">Fee</a> Agreements along with a copy of your current tax bill.<o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'><b>Contact us <a href="mailto:questions@decline-in-value.com">Decline In Value</a><o:p></o:p></b></li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <ul type=disc> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in'>(OK, it will cost the price of a stamped envelope!)</li> </ul> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin-left:.5in'><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'> <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'> <![endif]></p> <p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:7.5pt'>Decline-In-Value, Inc. a California Corporation, 369 Curie Drive, San Jose, CA 95119-1636, (408) 227-5078,  fax (408) 227-5079 </span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><a href="#top">TOP</a> </span></p> </div> </body>