A piece of paper from a book on a burned lot in Altadena (Photo – Felita Kealing)
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang announced that property owners affected by recent wildfires can access vital disaster relief with the introduction of a new online Disaster Relief e-Form.
By News Desk
This update allows homeowners to conveniently file the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) Claim form anytime, anywhere, using any electronic device, including smartphones.
This move is part of the Assessor Prang’s ongoing efforts to modernize services and enhance accessibility for property owners. By creating an e-Service account, property owners can bypass traditional methods such as mail or phone calls, gaining immediate access to services linked directly to their email accounts. While these traditional options remain available, the e-Service platform offers more convenience for those needing assistance.
The M&C Claim program is designed to help homeowners impacted by wildfires and other natural disasters qualify for a reassessment of their property at a reduced value. This reassessment helps lower property tax bills during the recovery process.
Key Qualifications for M&C Program
- Property damage must exceed $10,000.
- Claims must be filed within 12 months of the disaster date.
Filing is simple—property owners can visit the ADS-820 Misfortune & Calamity e-Form page on the Assessor’s website to review the necessary documents, complete the form, and submit it online.
Additional Relief for Fire-Affected Property Owners
Property owners may also qualify for tax deferrals while their M&C claim is under review, in coordination with the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. Those who pay taxes through an impound account should reach out to their mortgage lenders for potential assistance programs.
Assessor Prang is also urging fire-impacted property owners to register for a personal e-Service account on the Assessor’s website. This registration allows property owners to keep their contact information up to date, ensuring that the Assessor’s Office can notify them of important claims or updates related to their property. Without updated information, the Assessor’s Office may have to rely on outdated addresses, which may have been affected by the fires.
e-Service Features
- Homeowner Alert:
Receive email notifications within 48 hours of key activities related to your property records to help combat fraud. - e-File Services:
Easily file a Change of Mailing Address Request or submit a Homeowners’ Exemption form electronically.
For more details or to begin filing your claim, visit the Assessor’s official website at assessor.lacounty.gov.
Leave a Reply