Judy ... You asked this question at some time during 2008, so I assume you got the information you needed. Best wishes.

Harrison K. Long, Explore Group Properties, Coldwell Banker Previews. http://www.ExploreTheOC.com

Do not pay anyone to do this on your behalf , aside from paying for an appraisal, if you go that way. You can go the the web site that Harrison has below for County Assessors Office and get the forms you need.
There are companies out there, that are scams, charging you to do this for you and all they do is fill out the form.

We recommend that you be careful about possible request for reassessment of your home and property in Orange County, California. The OC Assessor has strict guidelines and time frames for this.
Check out web site for Orange County Assessor office at
http://www.ocgov.com/assessor/default_no_efile.asp.

Harrison K. Long, Realtor agent and broker, Coldwell Banker Previews, Irvine, CA

For the best owners home and property search site about pricing check out

I have done property reassessments for clients and suggest submitting an appraisal along with the required form to the assessors office. I also send it certified which puts them on notice you mean business and you have proven your case. I am a state licensed appraiser and we have done this before, but its up to you to prove, not the assessors. Most people give up and don't take this seriously, which is what they hope most people do. Feel free to call or email me your address and I will let you know what I see the taxes should be and what I could provide.

What is critical is your assessed value. And yes, they will raise that 2% annually. If you find however that the assessed value exceeds the market value, then you may appeal to the county for a reassessment. You will need to reapply annually if they do reassess your property value. Just remember that the key distinction here is the assessed value and the market value.

It's frustrating to have prices coming down and watch your tax bill go up. But the good news is that when the market was appreciating at 20%+ annually, you still only saw a 2% increase in your property taxes so there is a silver lining.

I will run comps for you. Just email me your address and I will return the comps with a link to the proper site for you to submit to the assessor.

Your taxes are likely going up because your assessed taxable value (on your tax bill) is probably still below the current market value. If it's not, you can appeal. Info should be listed on the Orange County tax assessor's website.

I can runt comps for you if you want to email me your address.

JoJo Harmon
Broker Associate/Notary
Prudential California Realty
949-244-0718
jojo@HarmonHomesRealty.com