Santa Barbara County Property Tax Appeal, California

Step 1: Contact the Santa Barbara County Assessor's Office for an informal review. The Assessor can provide information about your property value, explain the valuation process, and may reassess the property if an error is found.

Step 2: If the informal review doesn't resolve the issue, obtain an Application for Changed Assessment form from the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board at 105 East Anapamu Street, Room 109, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, or file online at cobappeals.countyofsb.org.

Step 3: Complete the application form with your property information, the assessed value you're appealing, and your opinion of the fair market value. Include the reason for appeal (decline in value, base year error, etc.) and submit with the required $65 filing fee ($1,000 for properties assessed over $30,000,000).

Step 4: File your completed application between July 2 and November 30, 2026 for regular assessments, or within 60 days of your supplemental assessment notice. Late filings will not be accepted.

Step 5: Gather evidence to support your appeal, including recent comparable sales, professional appraisals, photographs showing property condition issues, repair estimates, or documentation of factors affecting property value.

Step 6: Attend the hearing before the Assessment Appeals Board. Present your evidence and testimony to support your claim that the assessed value is too high. The Board will also hear from the Assessor's representative.

Step 7: Receive the Board's written decision. If the appeal is successful, your assessed value and property taxes will be reduced. If denied or unsatisfactory, you can request Findings of Fact ($150 fee) and appeal to Superior Court.

Step 8: If needed, file an appeal with the California State Board of Equalization or pursue judicial review in Superior Court for further recourse beyond the county level.