Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres Announces 2024 Family Wealth Forum

For Immediate Release
Date: Monday, July 22, 2024
Contact: Abigail Fay, abigail.fay@sfgov.org

***Press Release***

Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres Announces 2024 Family Wealth Forum

The Family Wealth Forum will feature presentations and resources centered on strengthening homeownership, building intergenerational wealth and educating San Franciscans on tax-savings opportunities. The Family Wealth Forum connects residents directly with City Departments to ask questions around property assessment and taxes, new construction and accessory dwelling units, permitting, public safety, financial planning and more.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres announced that the 2024 Family Wealth Forum will take place on Saturday, August 3 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the City College Multi-Use Building on 55 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, 94112. Light refreshments will be provided.

Interpretation services are available with advanced notice. To sign up for the Family Wealth Forum please visit: Family Wealth Forum | CCSF Office of Assessor-Recorder.

In addition to educational presentations, the 2024 Family Wealth Forum will include a resource fair and 1-on-1 consultations with Assessor-Recorder staff who will be available to address questions on property taxes, annual notices of assessed value, intergenerational transfers, property tax exemptions, reassessment exclusions, business personal property and more.

“Everyone, regardless of income level, should have access to the tools that can help in building a resilient home, growing wealth and planning for the future—I'm proud that once again with our annual Family Wealth Forum we’re connecting San Franciscans with the resources, community organizations and support they need and ask for,” said Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres. “This event is an opportunity for all of our city’s residents to learn about the issues and opportunities that may support positive outcomes for their livelihoods.”

The presentations will focus on the following topics:

• Assessment Appeals 101: Assessor Torres will discuss the options that are available to you under State law if you disagree with your assessed value or feel that your taxable value is lower than your market value, as well as the type of information you will need to gather as you file an assessment appeal. Assessor staff will also be available to answer questions about assessment appeals during 1-on-1 consultations.
• Home Improvement Resources and Tax Savings: From solar energy systems to earthquake retrofits, there are certain types of construction that will not lead to an increase in your property tax burden. Assessor Torres will discuss these opportunities for saving money and increasing the quality of your home in addition to the scenarios that can lead to a reassessment.
• Proposition 19 and Intergenerational Transfers: Passed in 2020 by California voters, this State law changed the property tax rules for transferring your property. Assessor Torres will discuss key elements of the law that homeowners should be aware of when considering passing your family home to the next generation.
• Estate Planning 101: Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA), a non-profit legal service organization will discuss the importance of estate planning across all stages of your life to ensure that your intentions are honored and help your family build wealth from one generation to the next. In addition to receiving an introduction to core elements of an estate plan, such as a living trust, will, advanced healthcare directive and power of attorney, there will also be opportunities to receive referrals to affordable estate planning services.

The resource fair will feature the following government agencies and community organizations:

• California State Controller
• California Department of Insurance, Community Relations and Outreach Branch
• San Francisco Department of the Environment Equity Hub
• San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment’s Smart Money Coaching Program
• San Francisco Planning Department
• San Francisco District Attorney Financial Crimes Team
• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
• San Francisco Rent Board
• Bay Area Financial Planning Days
• Homeownership SF
• Housing and Economic Rights Advocates
• La Raza Community Resource Center
• Legal Assistance to the Elderly
• Rebuilding Together SF
• Redwood Credit Union
• San Francisco Bar Association Tax Legal Clinic, Justice and Diversity Center
• The Utility Reform Network (TURN)

About the Office of the Assessor-Recorder

The Office of the Assessor-Recorder's mission is to fairly and accurately identify and assess all taxable property in San Francisco and record, secure and provide access to property, marriage and other records. Together, we work to ensure the financial stability of San Francisco. We seek to be a model of good government and antiracism by advancing our values of fairness, care, equity and excellence in service to our diverse constituents and communities.