Ian Bryzek, CPA
Federal income-tax basis versus California property tax
Federal basis and California reassessment are separate analyses for the same property.
A date-of-death value that supports federal income-tax basis does not automatically answer a county assessor's reassessment question—and a Prop 13 notice does not establish federal basis.
Mixing the two systems in one conversation produces the wrong documents for each problem.
What to keep with the file
Mixing the two systems in one conversation produces the wrong documents for each problem.
What to do next
Label federal basis work and California property-tax work as distinct tracks.
What to gather
- Federal value support or appraisal for income-tax basis
- County reassessment or change-in-ownership notice
- Deed and ownership history
- Property tax bills
- Note stating the two analyses are separate
Who usually handles what
- Ian can organize the tax reporting question and the supporting records.
- James Valdez can provide an independent residential fair-market-value appraisal when a supported property value is part of the documentation.
- The executor, trustee, or account custodian supplies records and confirms who has authority to act.
A practical next step
Label federal basis work and California property-tax work as distinct tracks.
When a property value is part of the picture
When residential real estate needs a supported fair market value as of a relevant date, an independent appraiser may be part of the documentation process. Ian does not determine fair market value.
Related guides
This is general tax information, not tax or legal advice. Outcomes depend on the documents, ownership, timing, and law that apply to the particular facts.