Would You Notice If Your Property Tax Bill Was Wrong?

Thousands of City of San Diego homeowners may be getting overcharged for trash service on their newest property tax bills, and in some cases the difference is more than $1,000.

One homeowner was reportedly billed $1,590 when the correct amount should have been $534. Another was charged $1,026 instead of $324.

The City says a technical error occurred when billing information was sent to the County, and officials are now working to identify affected homeowners and correct the problem.

But I think there is a bigger lesson here.

Most homeowners do not spend much time reviewing their property tax bill line by line, especially if their taxes are paid through an impound account. Your lender collects the money monthly, pays the bill for you, and eventually adjusts your payment based on what was charged.

That makes it surprisingly easy for an incorrect fee to quietly become part of your monthly housing cost.

If you receive City of San Diego trash service, you can compare the Solid Waste Management Fee on your property tax bill with the amount shown in the City's Residential Waste Collection Services Portal. The City says the amount shown in its portal is correct and that affected customers will be contacted directly.

Even if you are not affected by this particular issue, it is a good reminder to periodically review the costs attached to your home. Property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utility charges and escrow adjustments all deserve a second look from time to time.

If you are unsure what you are looking at, feel free to reach out. Send me a screenshot of the charge or your property tax bill and I can help you locate the right line item, compare the numbers and point you toward the right next step.