Statement from LA County Auditor-Controller on refunds to Bell property owners

September 14, 2010

 

 

 

STATEMENT

FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY AUDITOR-CONTROLLER, WENDY L. WATANABE

 

 

Yesterday, Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado signed AB 900, a bill permitting the refund of approximately $2.9 million to the 4,173 City of Bell property owners who were taxed illegally over the last three years.  Since then, there had been some media reports suggesting that Los Angeles County could start issuing refunds “within the week.”

 

Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller’s Public Service Area has already begun receiving inquiries from Bell property taxpayers asking when they will receive refunds.  There will be no refunds until the City of Bell first supplies Los Angeles County with the $2.9 million in overpayments—and under the terms of AB 900, Bell has until Dec. 31, 2010 to do this.  Again, the City of Bell must first provide funds to us before we can initiate any refunds.  No refunds will be processed until then.