Palisades and Eaton fire survivors could defer property tax payments for 2025. Here is the way
In more than a year since two of the most devastating wildfires in California history destroyed more than 16,000 properties in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, fire survivors whose properties were destroyed can now apply for a long-term deferment on their property taxes without interest or risk of penalties.
The postponement was made possible by the Every Fire Survivor’s Network – a resource center for Eaton, Palisades, Malibu, Topanga fire survivors and partners – the support of elected officials and the first order of Gov. Gavin Newsom 2025 giving Los Angeles fire survivors one year of property tax relief.
Knowing that the initial postponement would last until April 30 of this year, the All Fire Survivor’s Network sent a proposal to the governor’s office to extend the postponement in March and Newsom approved it six weeks later, according to the source.
The new deferral program will allow eligible homeowners to defer property taxes until June 30, 2030 – however, it does not apply to taxes due and paid this year.
Here’s what you need to know.
How do you apply for a deferment?
To apply for a deferment, homeowners need to fill out a “Casualty and Disaster” form online from the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office website.
This program is for homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed by a disaster such as fire, flood or earthquake and applies to their 2025 taxes only.
To complete the form you will need:
- The full address of the damaged goods
- Site inspection number
- The date on which the damage occurred
- Description of the cause and extent of property damage.
- Landlord’s full name and contact information
- Current mailing address of home owner
- Any supporting documents such as photographs, contractor estimates or an insurance claim
What is the deadline for applying for a property tax exemption?
Requests to cancel fines must be submitted anytime before June 30, 2030; However, basic taxes must be paid at the same time to avoid penalties, said Vibiana Navarro, administrative deputy of the regional treasurer and tax collector.
Who is eligible for property tax deferral
To qualify, property damage must exceed $100,000 of current market value, according to the county treasurer.
The county’s website states that a request for a “Re-Assessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Accident or Disaster,” Form ADS-820, must be filed with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months of the date the property was damaged or destroyed.
Eligible fire survivors can apply for a property tax deferral any time before June 30, 2030.
Another qualification requirement is that the property must be in one of the ZIP code areas announced by the Governor in Executive Order N-10-25, Navarro said.
Eligible ZIP codes are:
- 90019
- 90041
- 90049
- 90066
- 90265
- 90272
- 90290
- 90402
- 91001
- 91040
- 91104
- 91106
- 91107
- 93535
- 93536
Will I get a refund of the property tax I paid on April 30?
No, refunds are not issued on payments already made.
Advice for the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector on the application process
All property tax installments for properties in the ZIP codes included in the supervisor’s order were due for calendar years 2025 and April 30, 2026, with a deadline of June 30, 2030, Navarro said.
“We encourage homeowners to make partial payments whenever possible to avoid ballooning payments by June 30, 2030,” he said.
