Deadline for Business Owners to File With County Assessor Approaching

A press release issued by the office of Ernest Dronenburg, assessor/recorder/county clerk for San Diego County:

The annual personal property statements for businesses, aircraft and vessels, and notices of electronic filing (E-file) for San Diego County were distributed in January and February. Taxpayers receiving a statement or notice of electronic filing were required to file by April 2, 2013. Ernie Dronenburg, the San Diego County Assessor, wants to remind owners of businesses, general aircraft or vessels that the deadline to file this year without a penalty is May 7, 2013. All filings received and/or postmarked after May 7, 2013 will be subject to a 10 percent late filing penalty.

Ownership and taxability of all personal property is determined each year as of January 1. Any taxpayer receiving a statement or notice who was not the owner as of January 1, 2013 should return the statement or notice with all closing information included as soon as possible. This information will be used to update the Assessor’s records and future assessment notices.

This year, 56,000 San Diego County business owners will be able to complete their filing online. The Assessor’s office has developed an online e-file process that is easy to access, easy to use and generally takes only a few minutes. It is available to most taxpayers with access to a computer and the internet.

If you are one of the 56,000 eligible e-filers and need assistance filing for 2013, you may call the Kearny Mesa Branch Office and a staff member will walk you through the process. To file electronically, go to our website at www.sdarcc.com. If you cannot file electronically, you may still file the paper version of the property statement. For help with electronic filing or to receive a statement, please call our customer service number at 858-505-6100.

Unfortunately, at this time, the electronic filing process is not developed for those taxpayers filing for general aircraft, vessels or businesses requiring additional documentation with their statement.

Regardless of which way you are thinking of filing this year; do not delay because the May 7 penalty date is quickly approaching.