Take advantage of property assessors offices in California that maintain online databases Many of the counties in California have information about assessors online, and a percentage of these also provide searchable property records for the public. This way, you avoid constant trips to the office every time you need information on a property. If your county assessor's office does not provide public records online, try other websites. You may have to subscribe for this information; but if real estate is your business, it will be worth the small fee.

I recommend:  California State Board of Equalization offers a list of California county assessors with access to their websites. LoopNet offers property values based on past sales. Intelius provides a variety of informational reports that include home values, ownership information, and sales history.

Consider the CA property tax appeals process if you have concerns You may receive a California property tax assessment you disagree with. When this is the case, you can appeal to the Assessment Appeals Board, which is a separate department from the Assessor's office.

I recommend:  Assessment Appeals Board at the Board of Supervisor’s Office offers a step-by-step tutorial on the appeals process. You can also find the applicable appeals form at the same site. The Property and Special Taxes Department at The California State Board of Equalization lets you view assessment practices by county. The State of California Franchise Tax Board offers a state-wide tax calculator.

Get a second opinion on your California property assessment Prior to appealing the results of your California property assessment, you may consider getting a second opinion. This is when a California appraiser comes into the picture. An appraiser would not only reevaluate your property, but he will also provide you with the necessary information you will need to submit to your assessor's office in the event you decide to pursue an appeal.

I recommend:  Stein Valuation has completed appraisal assignments for commercial properties in a number of California counties. Steven L. Bowen & Associates is a San diego county property assessor providing narative appraisal reports for commercial, industrial, retail and land properties. For more California appraisers, try the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers.