Property Tax

Learn About Legislative Action

jmonma — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:52:24 -0800

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association maintains a permanent legislative office in Sacramento where bills that can harm or help taxpayers are carefully reviewed and analyzed by our Legislative Analyst.

HJTA takes strong action to counter those bills which undermine the taxpayer protections contained in Proposition 13 and 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Read more >>

Background on Proposition 13

jmonma — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:31:05 -0800

On June 6th, 1978, nearly two-thirds of California's voters passed Proposition 13, reducing property taxes by about 57%.
Read Proposition 13 as it is enshrined in the California state constitution. Read the text of the initiative circulated to voters. Read more >>

Bi-Partisan Tax Commission: Trick or Treat for Taxpayers?

gforster — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:38:42 -0800

The day before Halloween, Governor Schwarzenegger announced the formation of a bipartisan Commission on the 21st Century Economy to re-examine and modernize California's out-of-date revenue gathering laws that contribute to the boom and bust state budget cycles. In order to be a viable process it must be fair, transparent and taxpayer interests must be fully represented. Read more >>

Scary Times Made Scarier By Property Tax Bills

gforster — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:26:45 -0700

For many, these are scary economic times as the value of homes and investments declines. Adding to the anxiety, property tax bills are arriving in mail boxes across the state. Read more >>

Taxpayers: Victims of the Obama Factor?

gforster — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:33:28 -0700

The November election could see Californians confronted with a record number of local tax hike measures. Despite the fact the economy is in the doldrums and people are struggling to pay for gas, food, housing, this hasn't slowed down local politicians making major new demands on taxpayers' wallets. Read more >>

Proposition 13 is credited with stabilizing California counties' tax bases

gforster — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:51:19 -0700

For decades, Proposition 13 has been cast as the bane of cash-strapped local government, limiting property tax revenues even as California's housing market soared. But this week, as county assessors reported rising tax bases despite the housing slump, they credited the 30-year-old law -- revealing its unexpected role as an economic stabilizer. Read more >>

Howard Jarvis Showed the Way

gforster — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:25:44 -0700

As Proposition 13 reached its 30th anniversary on June 6th, there were no protests over high property taxes in the Golden State. Proposition 13 still has it opponents and critics, but in recent polls voters still support Prop 13 by the same two-to-one margin it passed by three decades ago. Read more >>

To Voters, Proposition 13 Is Still a Winner

gforster — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:29:06 -0700

A just-completed survey of California voters shows that, even after three decades, Proposition 13 enjoys overwhelming support. Read more >>

Proposition 13 & the Property Tax Revolts of 2007

jmonma — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:05:01 -0800

INTRODUCTION

Howard Jarvis, the leader of California's most famous tax revolt, passed away in 1986. But in the spring and summer of 2007 his name continually popped up in newspaper articles across the United States. Property tax troubles were brewing throughout the country and Jarvis's prodigy, property tax-cutting Proposition 13, was remembered by beleaguered taxpayers as something to be emulated to protect against out-of-control levels of taxation. Read more >>

Something Scary Coming To Your Home

gforster — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:59:34 -0700

It's that scary time of year. No, not the little goblins trick-or-treating at your front door. What is frightening is the property tax bill in your mail box. Read more >>