The 2026 Los Angeles County assessment roll reached a record $2.272 trillion in net taxable value despite wildfires that removed over $9 billion from the tax base for destroyed homes. The roll is expected to generate more than $27 billion for local services, helped by gains from property transfers, the Proposition 13 inflation factor and new construction. Recovery has required thousands of permits and about 18,000 assessment adjustments, and a proposed bill would let homeowners rebuild up to 110% of a lost home's size without reassessment.
LA County Posts Record $2.272T Tax Roll Despite $9B Lost to Wildfires
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Los Angeles County posted a record $2.272 trillion in net taxable value on its 2026 assessment roll even after wildfires wiped more than $9 billion from the property tax base for homes destroyed in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The roll is expected to generate more than $27 billion in property-tax revenue for schools, public safety, health care, libraries, parks and other local services.
How the Roll Grew Despite Disaster
The assessment roll rose by $96 billion, or 4.42%, from 2025 — the county's 16th consecutive year of growth. That increase reflects several drivers: $49 billion from property transfers, $43 billion from the Proposition 13 inflation factor, and more than $12 billion from new construction.
Impact of the Wildfires and Relief Measures
Under California's Misfortune and Calamity program, the assessor's office temporarily reduced assessments for properties damaged or destroyed by disaster, restoring values when reconstruction is complete. Using that relief, the county removed more than $9 billion in taxable value for homeowners affected by the fires.
The Eaton Fire, which began near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive on January 7, 2025, destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged 1,073 more across 14,021 acres. As of May 19, 2026, 49 homes in Altadena were complete and more than 1,400 were under construction. During recovery the county received over 3,300 permit applications and issued upward of 2,300 residential permits in affected zones.
What This Means For Property Owners
Because Proposition 13 caps the standard annual inflation adjustment at 2%, the 4.42% increase in assessed value will not translate into a similar jump in most property tax bills. Roughly 2.25 million parcels across the county are expected to see only that capped increase.
Office Response And Workload
Assessor Jeff Prang said his office has proactively enrolled eligible wildfire survivors in relief, mailed Notices of Assessed Value Change, and processed roughly 18,000 assessment adjustments related to the fires. The office — which employs about 1,400 appraisers and support staff — has devoted significant resources to both assessments and permitting in recovery areas.
Jeff Prang: "We proactively lowered the value of the properties that were damaged. We will be feeling the effect of those wildfires for years to come."
Policy Proposal
Senate Bill 1352, sponsored by Sen. Suzette Valladares and supported by the assessor's office, would allow homeowners to rebuild up to 110% of a lost home's original size without triggering reassessment.
Practical Info
For assistance, the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office can be reached at 213-974-3211 or [email protected].
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