California Proposition 8: How to Get a Temporary Property Tax Reduction
If your California home's market value has dropped below its assessed value, Proposition 8 may entitle you to a temporary property tax reduction. This guide explains how Prop 8 works, how it differs from Prop 13, when you qualify, and exactly how to file.
Key Takeaways:
What Is Proposition 8?
Proposition 8 allows county assessors to temporarily reduce your assessed value when market value falls below your Prop 13 factored base year value.
Prop 8 vs. Prop 13
Prop 13: Caps increases at 2%/year. Permanent.
Prop 8: Temporary reductions when market drops. Resets when values recover.
When Prop 8 Applies
- Area values have declined
- Property-specific value loss
- Purchased at market peak
- Comps show lower values
How to Request
- Get Form BOE-305-AH
- Indicate decline-in-value request
- Provide evidence
- File before deadline
Evidence Needed
- Comparable sales at lower values
- Professional appraisal (optional)
- Market data showing decline
Important: Temporary
Prop 8 reductions reset when values recover. You may need to file annually during downturns.
Deadlines
September 15: SF, San Diego, and 9 others
December 1: LA, Orange, Santa Clara, and most counties
Paying Too Much in Property Taxes?
Let our licensed property tax experts assess your tax bill for potential savings. Over 80% of protests get a reduction of more than $1,000 and it takes less than 3 minutes to enroll.
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FAQs
How is Prop 8 different from Prop 13?
Prop 13 permanently caps increases at 2% per year. Prop 8 allows temporary reductions when market value drops—but resets when values recover.
Do I need to file every year?
Potentially. Prop 8 reductions are reassessed annually.
Ryder Meehan
Ryder Meehan is the Co-Founder of TaxDrop and a Licensed Property Tax Protest Consultant
