The Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor, led by Jeffrey Prang, received a near-perfect rating of 99.67 in the most recent survey of its practices and performance by the California State Board of Equalization. The rating reflects the completeness and accuracy of the Assessment Roll, which is the...

George Runner Sacramento — During the Board of Equalization’s February meeting in Sacramento, George Runner was selected as Chairman by his fellow Board Members. “It’s an honor to be trusted with this privilege by my colleagues,” said Board of Equalization Chairman George...

Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner issued the following statement today in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s 2018-19 January budget proposal: “It’s a smart move by the governor to boost the state’s rainy day fund, since as he warns, the threat of a recession still...

The half-cent sales tax increase approved by Los Angeles County voters in November 2016 – Measure M – will go into effect on Saturday, July 1, 2017. The increase will apply to every city and unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, including Santa Clarita, bringing the countywide sales and use...

The California state tax rate on tobacco products other than cigarettes will increase from the current rate of 27.3 to 65.08 percent of the wholesale cost on July 1. In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 56, which increased the excise tax rate on cigarettes and expanded the definition...

Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner issued a statement Thursday in response to legislation passed by the State Senate and Assembly that would strip the Board of its authority to hear taxpayer appeals as well as other regulatory functions. The statement is as follows: “Contrary to its...

A Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement (TRaCE) Task Force investigation led to the prosecution and conviction of Carlo Hamrahi, 44, of Santa Clarita. His issuance of fake checks led to the discovery of his fraudulent home loan modification scheme for which he was convicted of two felony counts of grand...

Beginning April 1, 2017, sales of lead-acid batteries will be subject to two $1 fees. Manufacturers will pay a $1 fee for every lead-acid battery sold to a retailer, wholesaler, distributor or other person for retail sale in California. Consumers will pay a $1 fee on each purchase of a replacement lead-acid...

The statewide sales and use tax rate will decrease one quarter of one percent (0.25%) from 7.50 percent to 7.25 percent on January 1, 2017. The decrease in the statewide rate is effective for all cities and counties in California; however, in many jurisdictions in California the actual sales and use...

Many people are shopping online during the holidays because it’s convenient and it’s easy, but be sure to check those receipts: sometimes, online shoppers are not charged sales tax on their purchases. When that happens, it’s likely those shoppers owe use tax. Many of your friends, neighbors, and...