FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 04, 2025
Contact: Kaenan Whitman 
Tuolumne County Assessor’s Office   
Phone: (209) 533-5535   
Email: assessor@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov   
https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/200/Assessor ;  
Tuolumne County Assessor's Office Announces Property Tax Relief for Those Affected by the Lightning Complex Fire 
Tuolumne County, CA – The Tuolumne County Assessor's Office is reaching out to property owners who have suffered damage due to the recent Lightning Complex Fire, which has impacted various areas within the county. In response to this calamity, property owners whose properties have sustained damage are eligible for property tax relief. 
To qualify for this relief, the damage incurred must exceed $10,000 or be 10% of the property's assessed value, whichever is less. Affected property owners are encouraged to notify the Assessor's Office to expedite the relief process. The office will proactively apply tax relief to qualified properties, but they need assistance in identifying all affected properties. Property owners can report the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) or situs address by calling (209) 533-5535 or emailing assessor@co.tuolumne.ca.gov. 
"We understand the immense challenges our community faces following this disaster, and we are committed to providing support,” said Kaenan Whitman, Tuolumne County Assessor. "By notifying our office, you can help us ensure that all eligible properties receive the necessary tax relief." 
Property owners are also strongly encouraged to visit the Assessor's website at https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/200/Assessor to learn more about the calamity property tax relief program and to download the Disaster Relief form, which can be submitted to the Assessor's Office. 
 
The reduced property value will remain in effect until the property is either rebuilt or repaired. Furthermore, after repairs or rebuilding, properties can retain their previous Proposition 13 factored base year value if reconstructed in a like or similar manner. This means that property tax assessments will not exceed their pre-disaster levels. 
This tax relief is available for all types of properties, including residential homes, commercial buildings, industrial sites, and mobile homes. However, it is important to note that damage to vehicles and personal property contents, such as furniture and personal effects, are not eligible for this tax relief, as they are not considered assessable property. 
 
The Tuolumne County Assessor's Office is dedicated to supporting our community during this difficult time. For further information, please contact our office directly.