AppealDesk

Kern County Property Tax Appeal — California

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 25, 2026

Kern County is located in California's southern Central Valley with Bakersfield as the county seat. With a population of approximately 928,000, it is the 11th largest county in California and includes major cities such as Bakersfield, Delano, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi. Property tax appeals matter here because Kern County's median annual property tax bill of $2,768 is $368 above the national median of $2,400, and its effective tax rate of 1.42% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.02%. The median home value in Kern County is approximately $217,100, making it relatively affordable compared to California's overall median, but homeowners still face substantial tax burdens that make appealing overassessments financially worthwhile.

Notable cities: Bakersfield, Delano, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Arvin, Shafter, Wasco

Median Home

$217,100

Tax Rate

1.42%

Annual Tax

$2,768

Population

928,412

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 2 through November 30, 2026

For regular assessments, appeals must be filed between July 2 and November 30 annually. For supplemental assessments resulting from a change in ownership or new construction, you have 60 days from the mailing date shown on the supplemental tax bill or notice. Applications can be amended until 5:00 PM on the last day of the filing deadline.

Property in Kern County, California — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Kern County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Kern County Assessor-Recorder

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In California, property is assessed at 100% of its market value as established by Proposition 13, using a base year value system. For example, if your home's market value is $217,100 (Kern County's median), at California's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $217,100, resulting in approximately $3,083 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.42%. The assessed value is established at the time of purchase and can increase by a maximum of 2% annually unless there is a change in ownership or new construction.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Assessment Appeals Board. The Assessment Appeals Board is an independent citizen board that meets starting the third Monday in July and continues until business is completed. Based on the evidence presented, the Board can increase, decrease, or maintain your assessment. The Board's decision is final and cannot be reheard, though you may appeal to Superior Court.

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Step 1: Contact the Kern County Assessor's Office informally at 661-868-3485 to verify your property's assessed value and discuss your concerns. The Assessor may correct errors without requiring a formal appeal, potentially resolving your issue through an informal Proposition 8 review.

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Step 2: If the informal review does not resolve your disagreement, obtain an Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH) from the Clerk of the Board by calling 661-868-3585, visiting their office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor, or downloading from the county website.

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Step 3: Complete the Assessment Appeal Application providing your property information, your opinion of value, and reasons for your appeal. Include a $75 non-refundable filing fee (effective September 19, 2025) payable to County of Kern. File between July 2 and November 30 for regular assessments, or within 60 days of the mailing date for supplemental assessments.

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Step 4: Gather evidence to support your appeal including comparable sales data (sales from January 1 through March 31 of the assessment year), photographs of your property showing condition issues, repair estimates, income and expense statements for income-producing properties, and any appraisals or expert opinions.

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Step 5: Attend your hearing before the Assessment Appeals Board, which is an independent agency separate from the Assessor's Office. Present your evidence and testimony. The Board will review evidence from both you and the Assessor and make a determination that can increase, decrease, or maintain your assessment.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the Assessment Appeals Board's decision, you may file an appeal with the California Superior Court for judicial review. The Appeals Board's decision is final and cannot be reconsidered by the Board itself.

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Step 7: If your appeal is successful and a reduction is granted, the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector will issue a proportionate refund of taxes paid based on the difference in value. Continue paying your property taxes on time during the appeal process to avoid penalties and interest.

Required form: Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH) or Application for Changed Assessment

Filing Methods

mail:Clerk of the Board, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301
in-person:Clerk of the Board office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
phone:Contact Clerk of the Board at 661-868-3585 to request forms

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from January 1 through March 31Photographs documenting property conditionRepair estimates or contractor bidsIncome and expense statements for rental propertiesProfessional appraisalsAssessment data for similar properties

Kern County Assessor Contact

Kern County Assessor-Recorder

Phone: 661-868-3485

Address: 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Website: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/departments/assessor-recorder

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (except County Holidays)

Tax Exemptions in Kern County

Homeowners' Exemption

$7,000 reduction in assessed value

Reduces the taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the home as your principal place of residence on January 1 (lien date). One-time filing required with the county assessor.Deadline: File anytime after becoming eligible, but no later than February 15 to receive the full exemption for that year

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Basic

$175,298 reduction in assessed value (2026)

Reduces the assessed value of a disabled veteran's principal residence for veterans rated 100% disabled or compensated at 100% due to unemployability

Eligibility: Veteran must be rated 100% disabled or compensated at 100% due to unemployability from a service-connected injury or disease, or unmarried surviving spouse of a qualified veteran. Must own and occupy as principal residence.Deadline: File by December 31 of the tax year for full benefit; late filing receives 85% of exemption

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Low Income

$262,950 reduction in assessed value (2026) if household income does not exceed $78,718

Enhanced exemption for disabled veterans whose household income falls below specified limits

Eligibility: Same disability requirements as basic exemption, plus total household income from prior year must not exceed the annual income limit. Requires annual refiling by February 15.Deadline: February 15 annually

Property Tax Postponement for Seniors

Varies - postpones payment rather than reducing amount

California allows qualified senior and disabled homeowners to defer property taxes on their primary residence

Eligibility: Age 62 or older (or blind or disabled), at least 40% equity in home, household income limits apply, property must be primary residenceDeadline: February 15 or 10 days prior to delinquency date, whichever is later

Official Resources

Kern County Assessor-Recorder Official Website →

Access property searches, assessment information, exemption forms, and contact information for the Assessor's Office.

Kern County Assessment Appeals Information →

Detailed information about filing appeals, deadlines, required forms, hearing procedures, and Assessment Appeals Board rules.

California State Board of Equalization - Residential Property Assessment Appeals Guide →

Official state publication (Publication 30) providing comprehensive guidance on preparing and presenting your assessment appeal.

Kern County Property Tax Portal →

Comprehensive portal providing information about the property tax process, payment options, exemptions, and assessment appeals in Kern County.

Check Your Kern County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Kern County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Kern County for 2026?
For regular annual assessments in Kern County, you must file your property tax appeal between July 2 and November 30, 2026. This window applies to assessments based on the January 1, 2026 lien date. However, if you receive a supplemental assessment due to a change in ownership or new construction, you have 60 days from the mailing date shown on your supplemental tax bill to file an appeal. Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to appeal that assessment year, so mark your calendar and file promptly if you believe your assessment is too high.
How much does it cost to file a property tax appeal in Kern County?
Effective September 19, 2025, Kern County charges a non-refundable filing fee of $75 for each assessment appeal application. The fee must be included at the time of filing or your application will not be processed. Make checks payable to County of Kern. You need one application per parcel or APN (Assessor's Parcel Number), so if you own multiple properties you wish to appeal, you'll pay $75 for each property. This fee applies whether you file by mail or in person at the Clerk of the Board office.
What evidence do I need to win my Kern County property tax appeal?
To succeed in your Kern County property tax appeal, you need compelling evidence that your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value. The most powerful evidence includes comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold between January 1 and March 31 of the assessment year—sales after March 31 cannot be considered by the Appeals Board. You should also provide photographs documenting any condition issues, damage, or deferred maintenance that affects your property's value. For income-producing properties, bring income and expense statements. Professional appraisals, contractor repair estimates, and assessment data showing that similar properties are assessed at lower values all strengthen your case. The more documentation you provide, the better your chances of success.
Should I contact the Assessor before filing a formal appeal in Kern County?
Yes, absolutely. Kern County strongly advises property owners to contact the Assessor's Office at 661-868-3485 before filing a formal appeal. During this informal review, you can verify your property's assessed value, discuss any concerns, and provide information the Assessor may not have considered. If the Assessor discovers an error—such as incorrect square footage, property characteristics, or comparable sales—they can reduce your assessment without requiring you to go through the formal appeal process. This informal Proposition 8 review can save you time, the $75 filing fee, and the effort of preparing for a hearing. Many assessment disputes are resolved at this stage, making it a smart first step.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Kern County?
In Kern County, as throughout California, the Homeowners' Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in your property's assessed value if you own and occupy the home as your principal place of residence on January 1 (the lien date). At Kern County's effective tax rate of approximately 1.42%, this exemption saves you roughly $99 per year in property taxes. While this may seem modest, it requires only a one-time filing with the Assessor's Office and continues automatically each year as long as you remain eligible. File by February 15 to receive the full benefit for that year, though you can file anytime after becoming eligible.
What happens at my Assessment Appeals Board hearing in Kern County?
At your Kern County Assessment Appeals Board hearing, you will present your case to an independent citizen board that is separate from the Assessor's Office. The hearing is somewhat informal but follows a structured process where both you and the Assessor present evidence and testimony supporting your respective valuations. You should be prepared to explain why you believe your assessed value is too high and provide documentation such as comparable sales, photographs, and repair estimates. The Assessor will present their evidence supporting the current assessment. After hearing both sides, the Board will make a decision to increase, decrease, or maintain your assessment. The Board's decision is final and cannot be reconsidered, though you can appeal to Superior Court if you disagree with the outcome.
Can I appeal my Kern County property taxes if I just bought my home?
Yes, you can appeal your supplemental assessment if you recently purchased property in Kern County and believe the assessed value exceeds fair market value. When you buy a home, California law requires a reassessment at current market value, which often generates a supplemental tax bill. If market conditions have declined since your purchase, or if you believe the Assessor's valuation is incorrect, you have 60 days from the mailing date shown on your supplemental bill or notice to file an appeal. However, keep in mind that if you paid fair market value in an arm's-length transaction, the Assessor will likely use your purchase price as evidence of value, making appeals challenging unless market conditions changed significantly or your purchase involved special circumstances.
How much can I save by successfully appealing my property taxes in Kern County?
The amount you can save through a successful property tax appeal in Kern County depends on how much your assessed value is reduced and your property's tax rate. For example, if the Appeals Board reduces your assessed value by $25,000 and your total tax rate is 1.42%, you would save approximately $355 annually. A $50,000 reduction would save about $710 per year. These savings continue each year until your next reassessment event or until Proposition 13 factors allow your base year value to catch up. Given that statistics show roughly 25% of homes may be overassessed by an average of $1,346 in taxes annually nationwide, the potential savings make appeals worthwhile for many homeowners, especially considering Kern County's filing fee is only $75.

For state-wide appeal information including California's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our California Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

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← All California property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/board-of-supervisors/clerk-of-the-board/assessment-appeals | https://www.kerncounty.com/government/departments/assessor-recorder | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/california/kern-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/california/kern_county_property_tax | https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/homeowners_exemption.htm | https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/dv_exemption.htm | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/california/kern-county

Last verified: 2026-02-25