Santa Clarita and Los Angeles Country property tax reassessment by the numbers
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Santa Clarita and Los Angeles Country property tax reassessment by the numbers
Connor “with Honor” MacIvor - July 23, 2025** Tags: [property tax reassessment](/-/Blog/tag/property tax reassessment), [Santa Clarita real estate](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita real estate), [Proposition 13](/-/Blog/tag/Proposition 13), [home buyers](/-/Blog/tag/home buyers), [home sellers](/-/Blog/tag/home sellers), [Los Angeles County Assessor](/-/Blog/tag/Los Angeles County Assessor), [real estate taxes](/-/Blog/tag/real estate taxes), [Proposition 60](/-/Blog/tag/Proposition 60), [Proposition 90](/-/Blog/tag/Proposition 90), [Proposition 58](/-/Blog/tag/Proposition 58), [Proposition 193](/-/Blog/tag/Proposition 193), [Santa Clarita homes](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita homes), [Connor MacIvor](/-/Blog/tag/Connor MacIvor), [first re](/-/Blog/tag/first re) ** 0 Comments | Add Comment
Understanding Property Tax Reassessment in Santa Clarita: A Guide for Home Buyers and Sellers
TL;DR: Property tax reassessment can significantly impact your home’s financial obligations in Santa Clarita. For sellers, reassessment may affect your property’s marketability, while buyers need to understand potential tax increases after purchase. This guide breaks down California’s Proposition 13, reassessment triggers, exemptions, and how to navigate the process with expert help from a trusted realtor like Connor MacIvor at Santa Clarita Open Houses. Contact Connor at 661-888-4983 or visit https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact for a free consultation.
Introduction: Why Property Tax Reassessment Matters in Santa Clarita
Buying or selling a home in Santa Clarita is an exciting journey, but it comes with financial considerations that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. One critical factor is property tax reassessment, a process that can change the amount of property taxes owed on a home. Whether you’re selling your home in Valencia or buying a condo in Canyon Country, understanding reassessment ensures you make informed decisions without unexpected costs.
I’m Connor MacIvor, a former LAPD motor cop turned realtor (CALDRE 01238257), and I’ve helped countless clients navigate the complexities of Santa Clarita real estate. With my background in high-stakes decision-making and my commitment to honesty, I’m here to break down property tax reassessment in a way that’s clear, actionable, and maybe even a little entertaining. Let’s dive into what reassessment means, how it works, and how it impacts you as a buyer or seller in Santa Clarita.
For more real estate insights, check out my blog at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/blog or book a free consultation at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact.
What Is Property Tax Reassessment?
Property tax reassessment occurs when a county assessor re-evaluates the value of a property to determine its new tax base. In California, property taxes are governed by Proposition 13, passed in 1978, which limits annual property tax increases to no more than 2% unless specific events trigger a reassessment. When a property is reassessed, its taxable value is updated to reflect its current market value, which can significantly increase or decrease the tax bill.
In Santa Clarita, reassessments are handled by the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office. The process is critical because it directly affects how much you’ll pay in property taxes as a homeowner or what buyers will face after purchasing your home.
Proposition 13: The Foundation of California Property Taxes
To understand reassessment, you need to know the basics of Proposition 13. This landmark legislation caps property taxes at 1% of the property’s assessed value at the time of purchase, plus a maximum 2% annual increase for inflation. This means if you bought a home in Santa Clarita for $500,000 in 2010, your initial tax bill would be around $5,000 per year, increasing by up to 2% annually, even if the home’s market value skyrockets.
However, certain events can trigger a reassessment, resetting the tax base to the current market value. For example, if that same home is now worth $900,000 and is sold, the new owner’s tax bill could jump to $9,000 annually (plus the 2% annual increase). Understanding these triggers is crucial for both buyers and sellers.
For a deeper dive into Santa Clarita real estate terms, visit my glossary at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/real-estate-glossary.
When Does Property Tax Reassessment Happen?
Reassessment isn’t an everyday occurrence. In Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office reassesses properties under specific circumstances. Here are the primary triggers:
1. Change of Ownership
When a property changes hands, such as during a sale, it’s typically reassessed at its current market value. For example:
2. New Construction or Major Improvements
Adding a new room, a pool, or other significant improvements can trigger a partial reassessment. For instance:
3. Transfer Between Family Members
Certain family transfers, like gifting a home to a child, may qualify for exemptions under Proposition 58 or Proposition 193, which allow the property to retain its original tax base. This is a huge benefit for Santa Clarita families passing down homes in areas like Newhall or Castaic.
4. Disaster or Damage
If a property is damaged due to a natural disaster (e.g., wildfire or earthquake), the assessor may temporarily reduce the tax base until repairs are made. This is rare but worth noting for Santa Clarita properties in fire-prone areas like Acton (see listings at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/homes-for-sale-in-acton-ca).
Exemptions and Protections: Saving on Taxes
California offers several exemptions to soften the blow of reassessment. Here’s what Santa Clarita homeowners and buyers should know:
Proposition 60/90: Senior Citizen Transfers
If you’re over 55 and selling your home in Santa Clarita to buy another within Los Angeles County (or certain other counties), you may transfer your existing tax base to the new property under Proposition 60/90. This can save thousands in taxes. For example:
Homeowner’s Exemption
Homeowners who live in their Santa Clarita property as their primary residence can claim a $7,000 exemption on the assessed value, reducing their tax bill slightly.
Parent-Child and Grandparent-Grandchild Transfers
As mentioned, Proposition 58 and Proposition 193 allow certain family transfers to avoid reassessment. This is ideal for legacy planning in neighborhoods like Granada Hills (https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/homes-for-sale-in-granada-hills-ca).
To explore how these exemptions apply to your situation, contact me at 661-888-4983 or visit https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact.
How Reassessment Impacts Santa Clarita Home Sellers
If you’re selling a home in Santa Clarita, reassessment can affect your sale in several ways:
As a first-responder-turned-realtor, I bring a no-nonsense approach to pricing and negotiations, ensuring your home sells quickly and fairly. Schedule a free market analysis at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/free-market-analysis.
How Reassessment Impacts Santa Clarita Home Buyers
For buyers, reassessment is a critical factor in budgeting for your new home:
Ready to find your dream home without tax surprises? Book a free consultation at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact or call 661-888-4983.
Navigating Reassessment with a First-Responder-Turned-Realtor
As a former LAPD officer, I’ve faced high-pressure situations that taught me to stay calm, think strategically, and protect my clients’ interests. In real estate, that translates to guiding you through complex processes like property tax reassessment with clarity and honesty. Here’s how I can help:
Why work with me? Because I’m not just a realtor—I’m a problem-solver who’s been through the fire (literally and figuratively). See why clients trust me at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/testimonials.
Practical Tips for Managing Property Tax Reassessment
Here are actionable steps to handle reassessment like a pro:
Common Questions About Property Tax Reassessment
How Often Are Properties Reassessed in Santa Clarita?
Properties are only reassessed upon a change of ownership, new construction, or other qualifying events. Otherwise, taxes increase by up to 2% annually under Proposition 13.
Can I Appeal a Reassessment?
Yes, if you believe the assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office. I can guide you through this process—contact me at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact.
Do Renovations Always Trigger Reassessment?
Not always. Minor repairs (e.g., fixing a roof) typically don’t trigger reassessment, but major additions (e.g., a new wing) do. Ask me for specifics at 661-888-4983.
For more FAQs, visit https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/santa-clarita-real-estate-faqs.
The Role of AI in Understanding Reassessment
At HonorElevate.com, I use AI tools to analyze tax data and market trends, giving my clients a competitive edge. Curious about how AI can simplify your home-buying or selling process? Check out my AI insights at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-in-real-estate or join my community at https://community.honorelevate.com.
Recap: Key Points on Property Tax Reassessment
Ready to buy or sell in Santa Clarita? Let’s make it happen without the tax surprises. Book a free consultation at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact or explore listings at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/active-listings. For more real estate tips, follow my blog at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/blog or check out my YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@aiwithhonor.
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