Class Action Settlement Gives LA County Residents Interest Owed on Property Tax Refunds

Los Angeles County residents who received a property tax refund after March 1, 1993, might be eligible to claim money from a $45-million class action settlement. The class action settlement resolves a nearly 12-year-old lawsuit that accused Los Angeles County of systematically shortchanging property owners who overpaid property taxes. The lawsuit claims Los Angeles County failed to pay interest on property tax refunds as required by law and failed to notify taxpayers of their right to claim a refund. According to the class action settlement notice, class members can receive interest not paid at the time of their refund and pre-judgment interest on this amount.

Los Angeles County has mailed settlement notices to affected property owners, but nearly 60% have been returned because the homeowners no longer live at the address on record with the county, says a Los Angeles Times report. If you haven’t received a settlement notice but think you’re eligible, you can look up the list of included parcel numbers or call (877) 740-6999.

In order to obtain a refund, you must mail in your claim form postmarked no later than August 17, 2010. Claim forms can be downloaded on the Settlement Administrator website at www.LosAngelesCountypropertytaxrefundsettlement.com.