Bill to Protect Seniors from Unfair Parcel Taxes Clears Committee
(SACRAMENTO) – Assembly Bill 1891 authored by Assemblymember Matt Dababneh (D-Encino) has unanimously passed the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, this bill simplifies the opt-out process for seniors when it comes to paying certain parcel taxes.
“Seniors living on a fixed income are often times faced with a difficult decision when an unexpected expense arises,” states Assemblymember Dababneh. “In this case, the process for opting out of the parcel tax is confusing and I am committed to helping seniors in my district and statewide by authoring AB 1891, which will ease confusion and put money in the pockets of seniors.”
Currently, most school districts give property owners over the age of 65 an exemption from paying certain parcel taxes, if the exception form is completed every year. This leads to confusion for some property owners that may have completed the opt-out form once, but are unaware that they need to complete the form every year to receive an exception. AB 1891 provides clarity and reduces a burden to seniors by allowing them to complete the opt-out form just once in order to permanently receive the parcel tax exemption.
“Allowing seniors to permanently opt-out of paying certain parcel taxes will keep them from having to fill out confusing paperwork on an annual basis and ensure that they are spared the burden of paying a surprise parcel tax bill,” states David Wolfe, Legislative Director for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Assembly Bill 1891 will be heard next on the Assembly Floor.
Matt Dababneh represents the 45th Assembly District that includes the communities of Bell Canyon, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino, Hidden Hills, Northridge, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, West Hills, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills. For more information please visit the Assemblymember’s website, www.assembly.ca.gov/a45.