What is the California State Board of Equalization?
Fair, Effective, and Efficient Tax Administration
The Board of Equalization (BOE) is composed of 5 members: four directly elected members and one generally elected State Controller. Each member is elected to a maximum of two 4-year-terms. The BOE oversees the state as a whole, divided into four Equalization districts, each with its own elected board member. Those on the board have voting power to review, equalize, or adjust property tax assessments, measure and adjust county assessment levels, assess taxes on insurers, and assess and collect excises taxes on alcoholic beverages. As of January 1, 2018 they can no longer conduct on appeals hearings or take other actions with respect to an appeal, as that is now the jurisdiction of the Office of Tax Appeals.
First District
Ted Gaines
since 2019
Second District
Malia Cohen
since 2019
Third District
Antonio Vazquez
since 2018
Fourth District
Mike Schaefer
since 2018
Controller
Betty T. Yee
since 2014
"The mission of the State Board of Equalization is to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments."
The BOE was established in 1879 to ensure all county property tax assessment practices throughout the state were equal. It has since been expanded to include most taxes and fees in the state.
In 2017-2018, two new tax administration and appeals agencies were created. The Office of Tax Appeals and The Department of Tax and Fee Administration have taken over some of the BOE's past responsibilities, so the tax programs of the BOE are currently centered on alcoholic beverage tax, tax on insurers, and property tax.
The BOE also acts as oversight to ensure county assessors comply with property tax laws, regulations, and assessment issues. They do this by conducting periodic compliance audits of the 58 county assessors' programs and developing assessment policies that guide both county and local assessment.
Antonio Vazquez
Chairman of the Board of Equalization, 3rd District
490 N Street, MIC 72
Sacramento, CA 95814
Sacramento Office: 916-455-4154
El Segundo Office: 310-297-5210
About: www.boe.ca.gov/vazquez/
Contact: www.boe.ca.gov/vazquez/contact.htm
La Canada is in the 3rd district for the California State Board of Equalization. Antonio Vazquez represents the Democratic Party as Chairman of the Board. He has stated that his first priority is to "tirelessly advocate for taxpayers" and "provide education, information, and outreach services to help you better understand your state tax requirements and successfully navigate the tax-paying process." He advocates for fiscal responsibility, public safety, affordable housing, and improved education.
He has perviously served as Mayor Pro Tempore (2015) and Mayor (2016) of Santa Monica. In this position, Antonio streamlined business licensing and regulations, approved innovative transportation projects, secured funding for affordable housing projects, promoted the minimum wage ordinance, transitioned unhoused citizens into permanent housing, fought for local control of airport lands, and helped adopt a comprehensive Downton Community Plan. He has also served as District Director for former LA City Councilman Richard Alarcon, where he helped revitalize poor areas of the northeast San Fernando Valley and redeveloped the former General Motors plant. He has been committed to municipal and legislative advocacy throughout his career.
In addition to his work in government, Antonio also has a history in the private sector. As Southern California Regional Director for California Futures Networks he promoted smart growth policy and legislation, and as Community Planner for the United Way of Greater LA he facilitated funding for several programs. He is also a former schoolteacher and teacher trainer, and has served on many school district committees in Santa Monica.
Antonio is a USC graduate and has been a resident of Santa Monica since 1984.
How Antonio Vazquez Can Help You !
We elect our representatives so they can serve as our advocates!
The State Board of Equalization oversees tax administration and fee collection in its districts, and is the only publicly elected tax commission in the United States. The Equalization districts, of which La Canada is currently in the 3rd, are redefined following each census, so make sure to check your district and representative following the next census. While the third district is the smallest in terms of area, it encompasses over 70 cities throughout Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Agoura Hills. Antonio represents more than nine million Californians, including you! As your representative, it is up to Antonio to advocate for you as a taxpayer and ensure you are being treated fairly and equally in terms of your taxes and fees. Through your representative, you can find out if you qualify for tax exemptions, reduce your property tax assessment, dispute tax liability, contact the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate, and voice any tax-related questions or concerns.
Contact Antonio Vazquez today and advocate for your tax rights and those of your district! He is there as your representative to help you in any way you need, so never hesitate to ask him what the BOE can do for you!
Next Election
The next election for the California State Board of Equalization is on November 5, 2024.