SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen, MBA, is warning homeowners, particularly seniors, about a property tax scam circulating through social media, online videos and telephone solicitations that falsely claims homeowners can reduce or freeze their property taxes by filing a supposed federal IRS “Form 1098-SR.”

No such IRS form or federal property tax relief program exists.

The fraudulent claims promote a supposed federal program that would allow seniors and other homeowners to freeze their property taxes, reduce their property tax bills, or avoid certain local taxes or school bonds.

“These types of scams can be especially concerning for homeowners who are looking for legitimate ways to reduce their property tax burden,” said Treasurer Cohen. “There is no federal 1098-SR form that freezes or reduces property taxes. If you receive an unsolicited communication promising property tax savings, take a moment to verify the information through an official government source before providing personal information or making a payment.”

Property taxes in California are governed by state law and administered through state and local agencies. The federal government does not determine, cap, or freeze local property tax assessments. For San Diego County property tax information, visit sdttc.com.

Beware of Unsolicited Property Tax Solicitations

Scammers may use official-sounding language, government-related terminology, social media videos or telephone calls to make fraudulent programs appear legitimate. They may also create a sense of urgency and ask homeowners to provide personal or financial information or pay a fee to receive a supposed tax benefit.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector reminds property owners:

• There is no federal “1098-SR” property tax relief form or program.
• Do not provide your Social Security number, banking information, or other sensitive personal information in response to an unsolicited call, email, text message, letter or website.
• Do not send money or pay a fee to someone who promises a property tax reduction or exemption without first verifying that the program is legitimate.
• Be skeptical of claims that a federal program can eliminate or freeze local property taxes, school bonds, or other charges on a California property.
• Verify property tax information directly through an official government website or by contacting the appropriate government agency.

“Scammers often rely on urgency and official-sounding language to convince property owners that they need to act immediately,” Cohen said. “If someone contacts you about your property taxes and the information doesn’t sound right, don’t act on the request until you’ve independently verified it.”

Legitimate California Property Tax Relief Programs

California property owners may qualify for several established programs, including:

• Proposition 13 — Generally limits annual increases in a property’s assessed value to no more than 2 percent, except when there is a change in ownership, new construction or another event requiring reassessment under state law.
• Proposition 19 — Allows eligible homeowners who are age 55 or older, severely disabled, or victims of wildfire or other natural disasters to transfer their taxable base-year value to a replacement principal residence, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Homeowners’ Exemption — Provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value for an owner-occupied principal residence.
• Disabled Veterans’ Exemption — Provides property tax relief for qualifying disabled veterans and, under certain circumstances, their surviving spouses.
• Property Tax Postponement — A program administered by the California State Controller that allows certain eligible seniors and blind or disabled homeowners who meet income, equity, and other requirements to postpone payment of current-year property taxes. The postponed taxes must ultimately be repaid, and a lien is placed on the property.

If You Believe You Have Been Scammed

Anyone who receives a suspicious property tax solicitation should not provide personal or financial information and should not send money until the claim has been independently verified.

Anyone who believes they have provided information or money to a scammer should consider reporting the incident to law enforcement and the appropriate consumer protection authorities.

When in doubt, go directly to the source. Property owners should rely on official government websites and agencies for information about property taxes and available tax relief programs—not unsolicited calls, social media videos or individuals promising savings in exchange for a payment or personal information. For San Diego County property tax information, visit sdttc.com.