GAINES GAZETTE
February 2022
February Board Actions
The Great Seal of California features the Roman goddess Minerva a grizzly bear feeding on grape vines a sheaf of grain a miner and sailing ships. The state motto Eureka meaning I have found it is written above Minerva.
During the February Board meeting, we discussed emerging issues affecting unitary value setting; received reports and updates on Proposition 19 implementation and BOE operations; and received testimony on remote hearings of assessment appeals boards.

Finally, Lisa Thompson, our Taxpayers' Rights Advocate, presented the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Property Taxes and Alcoholic Beverage Tax Annual Report for fiscal year 2020-21, which is outlined in more detail below.

We are proud as a Board to continue meeting our constitutional duties using various virtual platforms and remain committed to our mission to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments.
Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's Annual Report
This month, the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Office released its Property Taxes and Alcoholic Beverage Tax Annual Report for fiscal year 2020-21. This report highlights the office’s accomplishments during the past year; showcases examples of the services provided to assist taxpayers; identifies issues that were resolved; details educational projects to help taxpayers; and identifies bill of rights provisions for tax programs under the BOE’s jurisdiction.

The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's Office, led by Lisa Thompson, is a wonderful resource to help taxpayers who are unable to resolve a problem through normal channels. Their goal is to protect your rights and ensure your tax problems are handled promptly and fairly.

Their team is standing by to help! For more information, visit their webpage.
Proposition 19 Update
The Board of Equalization has recently issued guidance related to the implementation of Proposition 19, specifically regarding base year value transfers and intergenerational transfer exclusions. Senate Bill 539 (Hertzberg) provided additional specific requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify for a Proposition 19 base year value transfer, as well as other clarifications, including defining that the intergenerational transfer exclusion applies separately to each legal parcel of a family farm.
 
View the guidance for base year value transfers and intergenerational transfer exclusion, or visit our Proposition 19 webpage for more information.
Free Tax Assistance Available
VITA clip art blue tree with green dollar bills representing leaves. VITA written out in blue ink
Tax filing season is upon us! The IRS offers several free programs from January 1 through April 15 to taxpayers needing assistance:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers help to people who make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their tax returns.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) offers help to taxpayers who are 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues.

Visit the IRS website for a variety of online resources and tax help including tax forms, instructions and publications, online payment options, and IRS Free File – a tax return filing tool free to most taxpayers.
California Taxpayers Association Turns 96!
CalTax logo with CALTAX written in blue ink and a cut out map of the state of California in brown.
Congratulations to the California Taxpayers Association on 96 years of advocating for taxpayers and providing tax policy research to Californians and elected officials.

CalTax, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, was founded in Los Angeles on February 24, 1926, and has grown to be the state’s largest and oldest association representing taxpayers.

CalTax strives to give taxpayers a voice regarding laws, regulations, and policies proposed by government officials that will affect their family budgets. I agree with CalTax’s founding principal that taxes are necessary but government should never take more than necessary to cover its expenses and should spend tax dollars wisely before asking for more.

It's not easy being a low-tax advocate in California, and I appreciate all the work CalTax does to oppose unnecessary taxation and support government efficiency!
At Your Service
White sign with words Customer Service in red sitting next to a bell with a finger pushing down on the ringer. Picture of Board Member Ted Gaines sitting in a black desk chair wearing a light blue shirt and striped tie.
As a Board Member, my number one priority is to advocate for taxpayers. I believe hardworking Californians deserve to have someone working on their behalf to streamline and promote efficiency in state government.
 
Should you need assistance with tax-related problems or have questions, visit my website for information on how to contact my office or email me directly anytime.
Mark Your Calendar!