Saving Seniors' Homes from Property Tax Default

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Many seniors and dependent adults in Los Angeles County are in the process of losing their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes. Unpaid property taxes can lead to homeowners losing their homes through a tax sale at public auction, consequently reducing the amount of property tax revenue to the county. The County Board of Supervisors ordered the Treasurer and Tax Collector, Community and Senior Services and Department of Consumer Affairs to find a solution to assist seniors and dependent adults whose properties were at risk of being lost at a tax sale due to delinquent property taxes that had been unpaid for five years. The departments collaborated to create an operational Task Force that sends county staff to visit the homes of people facing a tax sale. The objective of this program is to avoid putting seniors and dependent adults at risk of homelessness due to their unpaid taxes. Members of the Task Force meet with homeowners and provide information needed to help individuals address their delinquent taxes. At each home, the county workers attempt to make contact with the resident and conduct a face-to-face interview. A social worker or investigator then provides counseling and referral information that could benefit the homeowner. The Task Force provides a coordinated property tax relief service to help seniors and dependent adults who are isolated, homebound, mentally ill or disabled. The services promote the well-being of seniors and dependent adults by connecting them with resources to support independent living. In fiscal year 2008-2009, the county recuperated $1,600,000 in delinquent property taxes as a result of the home visits conducted through this program.