An official looking notice from the Property Tax Assessor Records Corp. is offering to file a homeowner’s exemption claim for property owners for $25, when the service is actually free in all assessor’s offices in California.
The notice is printed on a postcard with a note advising property owners of a homeowner’s exemption they are eligible for if they mail back the form on the postcard and send $25.
“We offer this service free of charge to all property owners,” says Assessor Warren Slocum. “Typically, a homeowner can receive up to $70 a year in annual property tax savings.”
The company not only attempts to charge for a free service, it requests the property owner’s social security number and signature, says Mr. Slocum. “There is too much potential for identity theft.”
Property owners who want to verify they are already receiving the exemption may call the assessor’s office at 363-4771 or 599-1353.
