Tax Relief for Los Angeles County Windstorm Victims

Los Angeles - Property owners who sustained damage in last week's hurricane-force winds may be eligible for tax relief, the county assessor said today.

If property damage amounts to $10,000 or more, including destruction to chimneys or structures caused by falling trees or branches, homeowners may be entitled under state law to a temporary reduction in the assessed value of their home. That could mean a lower tax bill until the damage is repaired.

"My office is ready to assist the community to obtain tax relief information for those property owners who have suffered damage or loss by the windstorms," said County Assessor John Noguez.

The application for relief must be submitted within one year of the date of the damage.

More information is available by calling the assessor's office at (213) 974-8658, or district offices in Sylmar (818) 833-6000, Signal Hill (562) 256-1701, Culver City (310) 665-5300, South El Monte (626) 258-6001 or Lancaster (661) 940-6700.

Applications are available at assessor.lacounty.gov .