Following the catastrophic wildfires that began earlier this year, the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office has issued a call to action for homeowners impacted by the disaster: update your mailing address immediately to ensure receipt of property tax refunds and other vital documents.
Efforts to Deliver Relief Face Setbacks
Since January, the Assessor’s Office has led an extensive effort to provide disaster relief, including temporary reductions in assessed property value and the issuance of tax refunds. Even without formal applications from property owners, the Office proactively assessed damage in disaster zones to deliver relief under California’s Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) law.
However, hundreds of refund checks and “Notices of Assessed Value Change” are now being returned due to outdated or invalid addresses—often because the original property was destroyed during the wildfires.
Why Address Updates Are Critical
The County’s Treasurer and Tax Collector, alongside the Auditor-Controller, is processing tax deferrals and refund checks for qualifying homeowners. These payments are being delayed or returned because the existing address on file is no longer functional.
“Getting relief into the hands of wildfire victims is a top priority for our Office,” said LA County Assessor Jeff Prang. “We are committed to supporting those affected, but we need their help to ensure their current contact information is accurate.”
How to Update Your Mailing Address
Homeowners can update their address by visiting:
🔗 assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/change-mailing-address
This update does not alter the official physical location or ownership status of the property. It simply allows the County to send essential tax documents and refunds to an address where they will be received.
Ongoing Support for Wildfire Victims
Relief efforts also include property tax payment deferrals, waiver of late-payment penalties, and adjustments to future tax bills reflecting reassessed property values. The initiative is part of a multi-agency collaboration to expedite recovery for homeowners facing financial and personal losses.
For additional details on available disaster relief programs, including the M&C claim process and other property tax savings options, visit:
🔗 assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
