SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The San Bernardino County Tax Collector announced on October 6, that they are providing relief to homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Hilary. County residents with at least $10,000 in property damage are eligible for tax relief.
According to San Bernardino county officials, initial damage estimates from Tropical Storm Hilary include upwards of approximately $26 million dollars in potential impacts and damages from the storm.
“I encourage all homeowners whose property was damaged by Tropical Storm Hilary to contact our office,” said San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Chris Wilhite.
Wilhite says it is also important to remember property owners may qualify for property tax relief due to other non-declared emergency events that damaged their home such as mudslides or fires.
Temporary reduction
The county says property owners must file a claim with the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office within 12 months from the date of damage or destruction.
As permitted by state law, the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office will then reassess damaged property and property taxes may be temporarily reduced until repairs are complete.
Property tax relief is available to owners of real property, business equipment and fixtures, including owners of aircraft, boats, and certain manufactured homes.
To date, the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk’s office has contacted over 70 property owners who reported damage due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
Low interest loans
In addition to property tax relief, the county says they have partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West to open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center to offer low interest loans for businesses and individuals who were impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary.
RELATED: San Bernardino County providing up to $15,000 grant to businesses impacted by winter storms
The center is located at the Angelus Oaks Fire Station and will be open until Friday, Oct. 13. The hours of operation are Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To report property damage for potential tax relief visit https://burnareainfo.sbcounty.gov/2223-2-2/
