Office of Assessor-Recorder launches Paperless Form 571-L Business Property Statement

For Immediate Release
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Contact: Edward McCaffrey, (415) 554-5231

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

San Francisco, CA - Earlier today, the Office of the Assessor-Recorder launched a more convenient way to file the Form 571-L Business Property Statement.  Business owners can now file directly online by visiting www.sfassessor.org/efile.  E-Filing is quick and secure, where no new software and no downloading is necessary.

Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu stated, “Part of our job in government is to help make doing business easier, especially for our small businesses.  Going online with our filings will not only save time, but will help to reduce printing and mailing costs for business owners.”

Required by state law, the property statement is a means to declare all taxable business property (machinery, equipment, fixtures, etc.) and is used to assist the Assessor-Recorder’s Office with assessments.  The Office of the Assessor-Recorder will automatically mail notices in mid-February that include a business owners’ unique Account Number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).  The deadline for filing the Form 571-L is April 1, 2014.

Assessor-Recorder Chu added, “As a core principal of our office, it is important that we inform and assist taxpayers and our businesses. In addition to launching an online filing option, we are also committed to helping filers understand the process through our public workshops, online manuals and our staff who are just a phone call away.”

For assistance with completing the form, the Assessor-Recorder’s office is offering two workshops entitled, “How to fill out a 571-L Statement” and an online manual located at www.sfassessor.org/manual571L.  For business owners who do not have access to internet at their office or home, the Office of the Assessor-Recorder has made available a public computer terminal at two office locations, Business Personal Property Division’s, 1155 Market Street, 5th Floor, and City Hall, Room 190.  A more convenient option may be visiting the public library (a complete list of libraries can be found by visiting www.sfpl.org or calling 415-557-4400).

To obtain additional information, or attend a workshop, please contact the Office of the Assessor-Recorder at (415) 554-5531 or askbpp@sfgov.org. 

###