LA County Wildfires

Helping Property Owners Recover After LA County Wildfires

 

January 2025 has been a tough month for Los Angeles County, with wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton fires wreaking havoc. This disaster has really hit home for me as a retired firefighter. These fires have burned over 38,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and, tragically, taken at least 25 lives. In the face of such devastation, property owners are left wondering how to rebuild and recover financially.

To help ease the burden, the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is offering property tax relief programs for those impacted by these disasters. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Can Get Property Tax Relief?

If your property has been damaged by a disaster like a wildfire and the loss in market value exceeds $10,000, you may qualify for relief. Two main programs are available:

  1. Decline-in-Value Review: If your property’s market value is now lower than its assessed value, you can apply for a temporary reduction in property taxes.
  2. Reassessment for Damaged Property (Form ADS-820): For properties destroyed or significantly damaged, this program adjusts the property’s assessed value until repairs or rebuilding are complete.

How to Apply

  • Deadlines: File for reassessment within 12 months of the disaster. For Decline-in-Value, applications are accepted from July 2 to November 30 each year.
  • What You’ll Need: Gather photos, repair estimates, or insurance claims to show the extent of the damage.

What Happens to Your Property Taxes?

  • Temporary Tax Cuts: Once approved, your property’s value will be lowered to reflect the damage, and your taxes will go down.
  • Restoration Impact: When you repair or rebuild, your taxes will adjust again, possibly returning to their original level, unless you add new square footage or significant upgrades.

Be Aware of Scams

Unfortunately, disasters can bring out scammers. Always ask for official identification from anyone claiming to represent the county. You can also sign up for notifications about any unauthorized changes to your property title to stay safe.

Who to Contact for Help

If you have questions or need guidance, the Assessor’s Office and other county agencies are ready to assist. For federal disaster relief, you can also check FEMA’s resources at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Recovery Is Possible

While the wildfires have left many in a tough spot, these tax relief programs aim to provide some financial breathing room. They’re just one way the community is coming together to help property owners recover and rebuild.

For more information or to get started on your application, visit the Los Angeles County Assessor’s website here. Download Form ADS-820 and complete the two-page form in its entirety. You will need the Assessor’s ID Number for your property which you can look up here.

Our team at Copia Wealth Management is always here to help navigate this process during your time of need. 

In it together!

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Accounting & Bookkeeping Specialist

Chelsea James

With a background in Human Development and Family Sciences, Chelsea brings a people-centered approach to accounting.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at OSU Cascades in 2021, she moved into bookkeeping and found a rewarding way to help individuals and businesses feel supported in managing their finances.

Coming from a family of local small business owners, Chelsea understands the hard work and the unique challenges that come with running a business. She has worked across a range of industries — healthcare, automotive, and other service-based businesses — which has sharpened her ability to read what a business actually needs and adapt to it. She values building genuine relationships and being someone people can trust.

Outside the office, you’ll likely find her discovering a new hike, casting a line on the water, or spending time with friends and family.

Tax Services Specialist

Nolan Boehm

A Tax Services Specialist who brings a disciplined, reliable, detail-driven approach to every engagement.

A former varsity baseball player, Nolan was a member of the 2025 5A State Championship team—an experience that reflects years of commitment and high-level performance. Competing in a demanding athletic environment helped shape his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure.

Now fully focused on his career in accounting, Nolan is working toward his long-term goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He approaches his work with humility and professionalism, guided by a mindset of steady growth and long-term excellence. With a clear focus on building technical expertise and credibility, Nolan is committed to continual improvement as he advances in the profession.

Lead CPA & Chief Tax Strategist

Marc Mestyanek

Marc believes accounting should feel approachable, not intimidating — and that clients deserve clear answers without long waits.

Even during the busiest months of the year, he prides himself on fast, concise communication so you can make decisions confidently, right when you need to.

His background spans private equity real estate (where he worked with 73 commercial properties) and the largest business management firm in the country, handling financial records for high-net-worth individuals in music, film, television, and sports. In 2016, he and his wife — whom he’s known since first grade — left Los Angeles for a slower, more intentional life in Bend. He earned his CPA license in 2019 and launched his own firm, New Leaf Accounting, in 2022.

Marc is a numbers guy, yes — but he’s also the kind of person who remembers your kids’ names, genuinely cares about what’s happening in your life, and believes good accounting is really about giving people peace of mind. And when he’s not working? He’s probably with his wife and three kids, exactly where he loves to be.