Property Tax Planning
California's property tax laws are complex, and transferring real estate without proper planning can result in a significant increase in annual property taxes. Whether you're transferring property to a trust, passing real estate to the next generation, or restructuring ownership of investment property or business entities, careful planning can help avoid unintended tax consequences.
Every property tax planning strategy we develop is tailored to your specific circumstances and long-term goals. Our attorneys work with clients to identify opportunities to preserve valuable property tax benefits while integrating those strategies into a comprehensive estate plan.
Our property tax planning services include:
Transfer Planning
We advise clients on the property tax consequences of transferring real estate during life or at death, helping structure transactions to minimize or avoid property tax reassessment whenever available under California law.
Trust & Estate Planning Coordination
We integrate property tax planning into revocable and irrevocable trust planning to help ensure your estate plan reflects both your family's wishes and your long-term property tax objectives.
Entity Ownership & Restructuring
We counsel clients on the property tax implications of forming, restructuring, and transferring interests in limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other entities that own California real estate.
Parent-Child & Family Transfers
We advise families on available property tax exclusions and planning opportunities for transfers between family members, including strategies designed to preserve favorable property tax treatment when permitted under California law.
Change in Ownership Analysis
We analyze proposed transfers to determine whether they may trigger a reassessment under California's change in ownership rules and develop strategies to help minimize unnecessary increases in property taxes.