California BOE Appraiser Certification key terms

The base year value of taxable property, generally its fair market value as of the date it changed ownership or was newly constructed, adjusted annually by an inflation factor.

The assessed value established for a property in the year it was acquired or completed, which later serves as the starting point for annual inflation adjustments.

A transfer of a present interest in real property, including the beneficial use and the right to possession, that triggers reassessment at current market value.

The process of setting a new base year value after a change in ownership or completion of new construction, replacing the prior assessed figure.

Any addition to or alteration of real property that increases its value, requiring the added value to be assessed at current market value.

A 1978 voter initiative limiting property tax to one percent of assessed value and capping annual assessment increases absent a change in ownership or new construction.

The annual percentage, capped at two percent, applied to an existing base year value to account for cost-of-living increases in assessed value.

A unique identifier assigned to each parcel of real property, used to track ownership, assessment history, and tax billing records.

The official record prepared annually by the assessor listing all taxable property, its assessed value, and the owner of record.

A corrected or supplemental assessment for property that was omitted from the roll or improperly assessed in prior years, plus applicable penalties.

A separate assessment reflecting the difference between old and new base year values after a change in ownership or new construction, prorated for the remaining tax year.

A temporary reduction in assessed value when a property's market value falls below its factored base year value, requiring annual review.

A local panel, appointed by the county board of supervisors, that hears taxpayer disputes over property valuations and other assessment decisions.

The formal filing a taxpayer submits to a county assessment appeals board to contest an assessed value, subject to strict filing deadlines.

The process of adjusting assessments so that property is taxed uniformly, including review of county rolls and resolution of valuation disputes.

The statewide elected body responsible for administering several tax programs, equalizing county assessments, and hearing certain appeals.

The California statute governing licensing, regulation, and taxation of alcoholic beverages, including license fees and excise taxes.

A tax imposed on the manufacture, distribution, or sale of specific goods, such as alcoholic beverages, rather than on income or property.

A per-gallon excise imposed on beer manufactured or distributed in the state, collected from licensed manufacturers and wholesalers.

A per-gallon excise imposed on wine produced, imported, or sold in the state, with rates varying by alcohol content and type.

A per-gallon excise imposed on distilled spirits manufactured or imported into the state, generally at a higher rate than beer or wine.

A charge imposed on holders of alcoholic beverage licenses, distinct from excise taxes, based on license type and privilege level.

The state's uniform percentage added to the price of alcoholic beverages sold through the distribution system, used to compute certain tax bases.

An entity engaged in the business of making insurance contracts, subject to premium taxes and other obligations under state insurance tax law.

A tax imposed on insurers based on total premiums received from policies covering risks in the state, in lieu of most other state taxes.

The consideration paid to an insurer for an insurance policy, forming the base on which the gross premiums tax is computed.

A tax imposed on out-of-state insurers when their home state imposes higher taxes on California insurers than California imposes on them.

A licensed intermediary who places insurance with nonadmitted insurers, collecting applicable premium taxes and remitting them to the state.

A law enacted by the Legislature and codified in the codes, serving as primary authority for tax administration and procedure.

A rule adopted by an administrative agency to implement a statute, carrying the force of law when properly adopted.

A proposed law introduced in the Legislature that, once passed and signed, becomes a statute affecting tax programs.

The California statute prescribing how agencies propose, adopt, and publish regulations, including notice and public comment requirements.

The California code containing most statutes governing property, sales, and other taxes, including assessment and appeals provisions.

A formal written decision by the Board of Equalization, adopted after public hearing, that binds future board determinations on the same issue.

A summary of a Board of Equalization decision published to inform taxpayers and staff, but which lacks the binding force of a precedent decision.

A statutory framework guaranteeing taxpayers notice, appeal rights, and protections during audits, assessments, and collection activities.

The annual date on which property is valued and tax liability attaches, generally January 1 for property tax purposes.