What is the Williamson Act (Ag Preserve)?
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, commonly referred to as the Williamson Act, is a tax relief measure for owners of land. The act permits a landowner to sign a contract with the County or City guaranteeing that the land will be preserved for a period of at least 10 years. In return for this guarantee, the Assessor annually values land and growing improvements in the Act using a restricted income approach rather than the market value. The owner will get the benefit of being taxed on the lower of the total base year value, current market value, or restricted (AG Preserve) value. Generally, this means the taxes for the farmer are reduced, sometimes greatly. You must apply to the County Planning Department by October 15 to receive Williamson Act benefits for the following tax year if you wish to place your farm property into the AG Preserve. The Assessor's Office may require you to report data pertaining to your agriculture parcels via an annual AG Preserve Questionnaire.

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1. My property value was reduced under Proposition 8. Now the Assessment has increased. Why?
2. What is a Supplemental Assessment?
3. What about NEW CONSTRUCTION reappraisals?
4. Is property assessed at the price paid?
5. Are there special programs available for Senior Citizens?
6. Is there a Builder's Exclusion?
7. I am over 55 and wish to move to a smaller home. Will my taxes go up?
8. What is the Williamson Act (Ag Preserve)?
9. When is Real Estate reappraised?
10. If I have an addition to my home, will you reappraise the entire property?
11. If I do the work myself, will I only be assessed on the cost of the materials?
12. Are mobile homes subject to property taxes?
13. When can I appeal my assessed value?
14. What and when is a lien date?
15. Why are my neighbor's and my tax bills different when the houses are the same?
16. What happens if I don't pay these taxes?
17. How do you calculate taxes?