March 3rd, 2011 6:51 PM by Teresa Molina
Understanding Supplemental Real Property Taxes can be confusing. Hopefully, this explanation I have put together will help you better understand them.
The Supplemental Real Property Tax Law was signed by the Governor in July of 1983 as a way to help aid California Schools. It applies to you if you buy a property or undertake new construction. If this happens, you could be billed in as few as three weeks, or it could take over six months.
"When" will depend on the individual county and the workload of the County Assessor, the County Controller/Auditor and the County Tax Collector. The assessor will appraise your property and advise you of the new supplemental assessment amount. At that time, you will have the opportunity to discuss your valuation, apply for a Homeowner's Exemption and be informed of your right to file an Assessment Appeal. The County will then calculate the amount the tax and the tax collector will mail you a supplemental tax bill. The bill will let you know how much is owed and when it is due. You can normally pay in 2 installments.
The supplemental tax becomes effective ont he first day of the month following the month in which the change of ownership or completion of new construction actually occurred. There is a proration factor chart that the county uses and should be available on their website.
I hope you find this information helpful!