Skip to main content
Cal Assessor
e-Forms

Glossary

  • Glossary

Select a letter to filter alphabetically:

  • All
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W

A

Agricultural Preserve
Agricultural preserve land is one of several types of enforce ably restricted properties that are valued according to their productive capacity rather than their market value.
Appraisal Date
The moment in time for which a valuation is prepared
APN (Assessor's Parcel No.)
A numeric system for referring to each parcel of property within the county. (Composed of map books, pages, blocks and parcels.) for example 086-083-015 The first three numbers identify the Assessor's Map Book (map book 086 in this example). The next three numbers show the block on the map page (block 083 in the example above). The last three numbers show the location of the exact parcel on the block. The parcel numbering system is maintained and used for the sole purposes of identifying property for tax purposes.
Assessed Value
The taxable value of property against which the tax rate is applied.
Assessee
The person who owns, claims, possesses, or controls the property on the lien date. R&T Code Section 23.
Assessee Name
The name of the person or corporation shown on a designated Assessment Roll.
Assessment Appeal
A formal procedure to dispute the value placed on taxable property.
Assessment Appeals Board
A Board appointed by the Board of Supervisors to preside over and decide assessment appeals.
Assessment Date
See "Lien Date".
Assessment of Boats and Aircraft
Machinery, equipment, tools, furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements held or used in connection with a trade or business are taxable. In addition, most boats, aircraft and mobile homes are also taxable. Supplies on hand, demonstration equipment, and construction in-progress are also assessable.
Assessment Roll
A listing of all taxable property with their respective values, within a county.
Assessment Year
The period beginning with the lien date and ending immediately prior to the succeeding lien date for taxes levied by the same agency. R&T Code Section 118.
Assessor Parcel Map
Assessor parcel maps reflect the legal boundaries and dimensions of each parcel, and serve as the basis for land value assessments. See APN.
Audit
A means of collecting data relevant to the determination of taxability, situs, and value of property. R&T Code Section 469.

B

Base Year Value
The Base Year Value of property that has not changed ownership or been newly constructed since 1975 is the fair market value on the 1975 lien date.
The Base Year Value of property that has been purchased, newly constructed or changed ownership since the 1975 lien date is the market value on the date on which the purchase or change in ownership occurs, or the date on which new construction is completed. R&T Code Section 110.1.
BOE
See "State Board of Equalization".
Book Value
Capitalized cost less depreciation as estimated by an accountant.
Building Improvements
Usually means the betterment of real property by the addition of a structure(s) or the addition of additional capacity to an existing structure.
Business Description
A general classification specifying the type of trade a business is engaged in, such as manufacturing, retailer, wholesaler, or professional services.
Business Personal Property Tax
Any business that owns Personal Property and/or Leasehold Improvements having a total combined cost or current market value of $100,000 or more is required to file a Business Personal Property Statement (BPS) even if the Assessor did not send you a formal request to do so. Also, any other business that is requested by the County Assessor to file, must file, regardless of the value of their assets. The BPS collects information regarding the supplies, business equipment and leasehold improvements for each business location within the county
Business Property
All assessable items of tangible personal property and fixtures that are owned, claimed, possessed, controlled or managed in a trade, business or profession. (See Property Tax Rule 123 of the California Code of Regulations.)
Business Property Statement (Form BOE-571-L)
A State Board of Equalization (BOE) prescribed form businesses use to report costs and other related information to their local county Assessor.

C

Calamity Claim
An application for owners who have sustained a property loss due to destruction or damage from a flood, a fire or earthquakes. Property tax relief may be granted if the loss exceeds $10,000 and the application is filed within 12 months of the date of loss.
Calamity Reassessment
A reassessment made when there is damage of over $10,000 to any taxable property caused by fire, wind, or water, without the fault of the owner.
Capitalized Leased Equipment
Items of equipment whose acquisition was funded on a lease contract, and the title of which will go to the purchaser with the final lease payment.
Change of Ownership
The conveyance of an interest in real property from one person or entity to another requiring reappraisal of real property under California law. R&T Code Section 60 et seq.
Change of Ownership Exclusions
Some changes in ownership may be excluded from reappraisal if a timely claim is filed with the Assessor's Office that meets specific qualifications. Examples include the transfer of real property between parents and children or the replacement of a principal residence by senior citizens over age 55.
Change in Ownership Statement (COS)
State law requires that a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) be filed with every document evidencing a change in the title or ownership of real estate when the document is recorded. If a document that evidences a change in title is recorded without a PCOR, the Assessor will send the new owner a Change of Ownership Statement (COS). The new owner is responsible for filing a completed COS. Penalties for not filing range from $100 to $2,500 and will result in an additional tax bill.
Church Exemption
A type of exemption for property operated (but not necessarily owned) by a church that requires annual filing.
Combination
When two or more parcels are combined into one parcel.
Common Area
Land and improvements within a lot, parcel, or area for the beneficial use and enjoyment of all owners. The common area may be held by owners of lots or residential units as an undivided interest, owned in its entirety by a homeowners' association, or a combination of both.
Completion Date
The completion date of construction as reported by an agency or city or determined by a Deputy Assessor.
Conditional Sale Contract
A form of sales contract in which the seller reserves the title until the buyer pays for goods or land; at which time title passes. Also known as a financing lease.
Condominium
The composite of individual ownership and exclusive possession of airspace in a multi-unit building with collective ownership in, and rights of possession to, common facilities.
CPI (Consumer Price Index)
The annual inflation factor is an integral part of the law established by Proposition 13. It requires that assessed values must be increased each year the same amount as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for that year, up to a maximum of 2%.

D

dba "Doing Business As"
A (fictitious) name given to the business that is separate and apart from the ownership name.
Decline in Value (R&T Code Section 51) Review:
When the current market (saleable) value of your property has fallen below the current assessed value as shown on the assessment roll, you may request a Decline in Value (R&T Code Section 51) Reassessment Application.
Deed of Trust
A written instrument by which a borrower (trustor or owner) conveys an estate in real property to another (trustee) for the benefit of the lender (beneficiary) as security for the repayment of a money loan. In the event the trustor fails to repay the debt, the trustee conducts a foreclosure sale of the real property.
Disabled Veterans' Exemption
An exemption for a qualified veteran who has a 100% disease or injury-services connected disability.

E

Easement
A limited right in a piece of land owned by another. This entitles the holder of the right to some use of the land. For instance, if Barney owns a property that is completely surrounded by Fred's property, Barney can get an easement to build a driveway from his property to the main road.
e-File
An electronic record created, generated, sent, communicated, received or stored by electronic means through a Web site. e-Forms plans to provide e-filing by 2016.
e-Filing
A web-based application that will allow users to view, modify, and submit filings on-line.
Electronic Signature
An electronic symbol or process logically associated with an electronic record and executed by a person with the intent and full knowledge that the electronic signature constitutes a valid certification of the electronic record.
Eminent Domain
The right of the government to acquire property for necessary public or quasi-public use by condemnation. An owner must be fairly compensated.
Escape Assessment
An assessment to increase the Roll value for a previous year when a property is under assessed or misses assessment. R&T Code Section 531.
Exclusion:
An exclusion results in a property being either not reassessed due to a change of ownership or not subject to a supplemental assessment when newly constructed. Current exclusions changes in ownership are provided for certain transfers among family members and for builders who hold real estate for resale rather than use for rent.
Exemption
A property tax exemption excuses all or a portion of the assessment because the assessee has met certain criteria allowed by the State Constitution. Tax exemptions may be granted for properties used by homeowners, veterans, disabled veterans, veteran's organizations or non-profit organizations. An exemption is applied against the taxable value. Even when the taxable amount is zero, there may still be assessments levied based upon a per parcel charge.

F

Factored Base Year Value (FBYV)
This is the Base Year Value (FBYV), plus the value of any assessable new construction, plus an annual inflation factor of no more than 2% per year. FBYV represents the maximum value allowed under Proposition 13.
Market Value:
As defined in R&T Code Section 110, "The amount of cash or its equivalent that property would bring if exposed for sale in the open market under conditions in which neither buyer nor seller could take advantage of the exigencies of the other, and both the buyer and seller have knowledge of all of the uses and purposes to which the property is adapted and for which it is capable of being used, and of the enforceable restrictions upon those uses and purposes."
Final Order of Condemnation
A judicial order transferring either an easement or fee title to a plaintiff for property condemned under eminent domain proceedings.
Fiscal Year
County's fiscal year is an accounting period beginning July 1 and ending June 30.
Fixture
An item of tangible property which is classified as real property for assessment purposes because it is physically or constructively annexed to real property with the intent that it remain annexed indefinitely. Property Tax Rule 122.5.
Full Cash Value
The amount of cash, or its equivalent, that property would bring if exposed for sale in the open market under conditions in which neither buyer nor seller can take advantage of the exigencies of the other, and with both buyer and selling having knowledge of all uses and purposes to which the property is capable of being used, together with any enforceable restrictions on that use. R&T Code Section 110.
Full Economic Cost
Cost for appraisal purposes. Includes all market costs (direct and indirect) necessary to purchase or construct real or personal property and make it ready for its intended use.

G

Grant Deed
A written instrument that transfers title to real property.
Grantee (Buyer)
A person who acquires title to real property.
Grantor (Seller)
A person who makes a transfer of title to real estate.
Guaranteed Title
A title whose validity is insured by an abstract, title, or indemnity company.

H

Historical Cost
Total cost of a property when it was originally purchased.
Historical Property
A property that is encumbered by a "Historical Properties Contract" between the owner and a governmental jurisdiction may be entitled to beneficial property tax treatment under R&T Code Sections 439 439.4 (also known as the Mills Act). Properties assessed under the Mills Act typically see a reduction in property taxes ranging from 15% to 60%. It is important to understand that a property's mere presence on a Register of Historical Properties does not, in itself, quality the property for Mills Act treatment because the property must also be encumbered by a historical property contract, as specified by law.
Homeowner and Renter Assistance
Homeowners who are blind, disabled or 62 years or older and meet income restrictions may qualify for this program administered by the State of California.
Homeowners' Exemption
An exemption that reduces the assessed value of real or personal property by $7,000. The property must be owned and occupied by the person applying for the exemption.
Homestead Declaration:
The homestead declaration, or "Declaration of Homestead", is a statutory protection whereby a homeowner's equity in his or her residence may be protected from judgments, liens and creditors. A Homestead declaration is not a property tax form, and it is not filed with the Assessor's office. You may find more information at California Department of Consumer Affairs.

I

Improvement
All buildings, structures, fixtures, and fences erected on or affixed to the land.
Indexed Base Year Value
If you owned your property before March 1, 1975, the "full cash" value will be the value as it appeared on the 1975-76 assessment roll increased a maximum of 2% per year in accordance with Proposition 13. If you acquired or constructed the property since March 1, 1975, "assessed" value is the value at the time you took title or completed construction, plus a maximum of 2% each year thereafter.
Institutional Exemption
A category of exemptions including church, religious, welfare, and college exemptions.
Intestate
The condition of dying without leaving a valid will.
Inventory
Items of personal property that become part of a product or are themselves a product that are held for sale or lease in the ordinary course of business.

J

Joint Tenancy
Joint ownership by two or more persons with the right of survivorship.

L

Land
Real estate or real property, except improvements.
Land Value
The value allocated to the land on which a property sits. This does not include the value of the structure, but may include improvements to the land such as landscaping, concrete paving, roads and sidewalks.
Lease
A contract between an owner and tenant for the possession of real property that sets forth conditions for occupancy, use, and duration of the tenancy.
Leasehold Improvements
Improvements made by the lessee/tenant.
Lease Purchase Option Equipment
Equipment acquired via a lease purchase option in which the final payment, if made, transfers title to the lessee.
Legal Description
A description of real property sufficient to locate it on the ground by reference to government surveys or approved recorded maps.
Legal Owner:
The owner of title, as distinguished from the holders of other interests, e,g., beneficial or possessory interests.
Lessee
One who has the right to use or occupy property under a lease agreement.
Lessor
One who conveys the right to use and/or occupy property under a lease agreement.
Lien Date
The date when taxes for any fiscal year become a lien on property. (Currently 12:01 a.m. January 1 of each year.) R&T Code Section 117.
Lifted Improvements
Buildings owned by someone other than the owner of the land, and billed separately.

M

Mello-Roos
A comprehensive regional government financing and administrative system established by local governments at the request of a developer to finance specific public facilities and services such as schools, roads and libraries. Mello-Roos payments are billed as a separate charge on the property tax bill.
Mobile and Manufactured Home Assessment
Mobile homes in California are taxed either through local county tax systems or through vehicle license fees paid to the State in lieu of property taxes.

N

New Base Year Value
The full cash value or property of the date it changes ownership or of the new construction on the date that it was completed.
New Construction
Any addition to real property, whether land or improvements (including fixtures) since the last lien date. In addition, any alteration of land or improvements (including fixtures) since the last lien date which constitutes a major rehabilitation or converts the property to a different use. R&T Code Sections 70 & 73.
New Construction Letter
A self-reporting letter completed by an assessee with new construction information.

O

Owner of Record
The owner of title to a property as indicated by public records.
Ownership Type
A description of ownership type as provided by the Assessee, including proprietorship, partnership, corporation or business trust.

P

Parcel Map
Not to be confused with the Assessor's Parcel Map, this recorded map is used to illustrate a division of land or commonly-known "lot split." It does not constitute a tract, and it is restricted to the breakup of not more than four (4) residential parcels.
Penalty Assessment
A penalty for failure to file a Business Property Statement with the Assessor within the prescribed time. The penalty is equal to 10% of the assessed value of the unreported property.
Personal Property
Any property that you own other than real estate. Includes airplanes, boats, manufactured homes not affixed to permanent foundations and business property such as supplies, office furnishings, machinery or equipment.
Possessory Interest
An assessable right for the private use of tax-exempt land, (property owned by a government agency that is used by a private party(ies)). These interests are typically found where individuals, organizations, or companies lease, rent or use real estate owned by federal state or local government agencies. R&T Code Section 107.
Preliminary Change of Ownership Statement (PCOR)
A form that is completed by a transferee (buyer) and filed concurrently with a Recorded Document evidencing a change in ownership. If this form is not filed at the time of recording, a fee of $20.00 is charged. This form is identical to the Change in Ownership Statement and provides the Assessor Department with information about the transfer.
Property
Property includes all matters and things, tangible and intangible, real estate and personal property that are capable of private ownership. The Assessor assesses real estate (land and improvements), and taxable personal property.
Property Tax Postponement
Homeowners who are blind, disabled or 62 years or older and meet income restrictions may qualify for this program administered by the State of California. This program is not currently funded by the state of California.
Proposition 8
Proposition 8 amended Proposition 13 to provide for declines in value. Prop. 8 requires the Assessor to enroll the lower of either: (1) the Factored Base Year Value, or (2) the market value as of the annual lien date January 1. Prop. 8 reductions in value are temporary.
Proposition 13
Limits the property tax rate to 1-percent plus voter-approved bonded indebtedness, and defines taxable value as the lower of the property's Factored Base Year Value (FBYV) or market value on lien date, January 1. Factored Base Year Value is the market value of the property when it was acquired by the current owner, plus the value of any new construction, plus an inflation factor of no more than 2% per year. Taxable value can increase more than 2% in one-year if the property experiences a change in ownership, new construction or received temporary reduction(s) in taxable value in prior tax year(s).
Proposition 58
Real estate that is transferred from parent(s) to child(ren), or from child(ren) to parent(s) may be excluded from reassessment, subject to certain value limitations.
Proposition 60
A one-time provision that allows a homeowner 55 years of age or older, who meets other filing requirements, to transfer the base-year value of his/her home to a replacement property in the same county.
Proposition 90
A one-time provision that allows a homeowner 55 years of age or older, who meets other filing requirements, to transfer the base-year value of his/her home to a replacement property in a different county. The county Board of Supervisors where the replacement property is purchased must have enacted a Prop. 90 ordinance to allow the transfer of base-year value to that county.
Proposition 110
Allows a severely and permanently disabled person to transfer the base year value of his/her property to a replacement property. Also exempts from reassessment new construction completed for the purpose of making a structure more accessible for a severely and permanently disabled person.
Proposition 193
Real estate that is transferred from grandparent(s) to grandchild(ren), may be excluded from reassessment, subject to certain value limitations. In order to qualify, all parents of the grandchild must be deceased as of the date of transfer.

Q

Quitclaim Deed
An instrument that passes whatever title a grantor has at the time a transaction is consummated to a designated grantee. If the grantor acquires a better title at a later date, it is not passed on to the grantee, and it carries no warranties on the part of the grantor.

R

RCLND
A method used by the Assessor to value business personal property. It is the cost to replace an existing property with a property of equivalent utility minus normal depreciation. (Replacement Cost Less Normal Depreciation.)
Real Property:
Includes:
  • All interests, benefits, and rights inherent in the ownership of physical real estate; the bundle of rights with which the ownership of the real estate is endowed.
  • All mines, minerals, and quarries in the land, and all pertinent rights and privileges.
  • Improvements.
Reassessment
The establishment of a new Base Year Value for property, equal to its Full Cash Value when it changes ownership in accordance with Prop. 13. Certain changes in ownership are specifically excluded from reassessment.
Recorded Document
Any written instrument or judgment affecting the title or possession of real property submitted to the County Recorder and made of record by that office; includes Grant Deeds, Quitclaim Deeds, leases, contracts, and court decrees.
Religious Exemption
A type of exemption for church-owned property that requires a "one-time filing."
Replacement Cost
The cost to replace an existing property with a property of equivalent utility.
R&T Code (Revenue and Taxation Code)
The body of statutory law that governs property assessment and property taxation procedures and practices.

S

SBE
See "State Board of Equalization".
Sales Tax
This is an element of cost for acquiring items. Sales tax is also included in the basis of cost for assessment purposes.
Secured Roll
That part of the Assessment Roll containing state assessed property and property the taxes on which are a lien on real property sufficient to secure payment of taxes. R&T Code Section 109.
Security Interest
An ownership interest in real estate in which individual(s) are only on title to help an assessee qualify for a loan. The individual(s) do not have beneficial use of, or equity interest in, the property.
Segregation
A separation for the individual handling of an assessment on the current Roll. Any person or government agency showing evidence by presentation of a properly-executed Grant Deed, purchase contract, Deed of Trust, or final decree of court of an interest in any parcel of real property that does not have a separate valuation on the Roll, and who is not the owner or purchaser of the entire parcel, as currently assessed, may apply to have the parcel separately valued on the Roll for the purpose of paying current taxes.
Situs
The place where property is legally situated the more or less permanent location of the property. Property Tax Rules 203, 204, & 205 of the California Code of Regulations.
Supplemental Assessment
If the value of your property increases because of changes in ownership or new construction, you may receive a supplemental tax bill (or possibly two --- depending on the month in which the triggering event occurs, more than one fiscal year can be affected); if the value declines, you may receive a refund check.
Supplemental Roll:
The roll prepared or amended in accordance with Proposition 13 containing properties that have had ownership changes or had competed new construction.
Statute of Limitations
A legislative enactment which prescribes a period within which an action may be brought.
Stipulation
A document signed by an assessee that confirms an agreement between the Assessor Department and an assessee for a revised valuation.
State Board of Equalization
The state agency that oversees the activities of the office of the local Assessor and assesses public utilities and railroads. This agency specifies forms and content to be held by County Assessment to gather information.
Structure
An improvement whose primary use or purpose is for housing or accommodation of personnel, personality, or fixtures. Property Tax Rule 122, California Code of Regulations.
Subdivision
A tract of land divided by means of a map, into lots or lots and blocks, for the purpose of sale or lease, generally for residential or commercial purposes.
Supplemental Assessment
An assessment generated by re-assessable changes in ownership or assessable new construction that is in addition to the annual assessment. A supplemental assessment represents the difference between the current enrolled value and the value which is established as of the date of the event, (change in ownership or completion of new construction). Each event generates a separate supplemental assessment which becomes a lien on real property. Events that occur between January 1 and May 31 result in two (2) supplemental bills: the first (1) bill is for the balance of the current fiscal year; the second (2) bill is for all of the upcoming fiscal year.
Supplemental Notice
A document used to inform and notify the assessee of a supplemental assessment resulting from either a change in ownership or completed new construction.
Supplies
Assessable property used up in the normal operation of a business, but which are not intended for sale or lease.

T

Taxable Value
For personal property, the full cash value (market value) on the lien date each year.
Tax Rate
An area within the county that is taxed at a particular rate, usually resulting from the number of public services in the area (e.g., fire and police protection).
Tax Rate Area (TRA)
A defined area of land with the same tax rate, together with a unique combination of taxing districts.
Tenancy in Common
An estate held by two or more persons, each of whom has an undivided interest in the property.
Tenant Improvements
Improvements made by the tenant/lessee. See also "Leasehold Improvements".
Timeshare
An undivided fee interest in whole property with an exclusive right to use a specified unit type during a specified time period.
Tract Maps
Under the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act, a map that subdivides large parcels of land into smaller lots of marketable title. Lots sold using tract number/name, block number/name, and lot number/name offer the simplest kind of deed description and maximum information.
Trade Fixture
A type of fixture that is "trade-related."
Transfer
A change in the chain of title; may result in a re-assessable or non-re-assessable change of ownership.
Transfee (Buyer)
A person who receives a transfer of title to real estate.
Transfor (Seller)
A person who makes a transfer of title to real estate.
Transfer Date
The date the sale of a property is recorded.
True Lease
An agreement in which an owner gives up possession of property for consideration and a definite term; and at the end of the term, the owner has the absolute right to retake, control, or convey the property.

U

Undivided Interest
Fractional ownership without physical division into shares.
Unsecured Property
Property on which the property taxes are not a lien against real estate (office furniture, machinery, equipment, boats, airplanes, etc.) Note: Business inventory is exempt from taxation.
Unsecured Roll
The Unsecured Roll is the remainder of the Roll not on the Secured Roll. The taxes on the Unsecured Roll are a personal liability of the assessee. R&T Code Section 109.
Use Code
The code that indicates how a property is being used. This code is used for assessment purposes only.
Use Tax
A tax on property purchased outside the state, where, if it had been purchased within the state, the property would have been subject to a sales tax.

V

Valuation Notices
An annual informational note mailed to each assessee stating the value as it will appear on the Annual Assessment Roll for property tax purposes. The "Secured Property Valuation" notice informs the assessee that the Total Assessed Value is the factored base year value as of lien date.
Veterans' Exemption
A $4,000 exemption granted to a qualified veteran that reduces the assessed value of real or personal property owned by the veteran.

W

Web Site
A site (location) on the World Wide Web. Each site is owned and managed by an individual, company or organization.
Welfare Exemption
An exemption for property used "exclusively" for religious, hospital, or charitable purposes.
Wholly-Exempt Property
Property acquired by government agencies or other public entities that become exempt from taxation under the laws of local, state, or federal governments.
Withdrawal
A signed document that indicates an assessee will no longer pursue an appeal.

Select a letter to filter alphabetically:

  • All
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
BOE Logo


News and Info

This site is updated at least annually.

Forms for use in 2025 will be available starting January 1st, 2025.

Site Info

Cal Assessor e-Forms!

This is a California Counties and BOE website. The e-Forms Site provides specific and limited support to the filing of California property tax information.

Only property tax related forms are available at this site. No individual data or information is maintained at this site or can be accessed through this site.

Contact Us

You can contact your County Assessor by using the counties link. The Assessor in the county where the property is located can provide the best and specific assistance.

CAA Logo
  • Copyright © 2024 e-Forms Network Group and California Assessors' Association (CAA)