07/30/26 — State Board of Equalization Invites Public to Share Feedback on California's Property Tax System

State Board of Equalization Invites Public to Share Feedback on California's Property Tax System
2026 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing also welcomes comments on the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's 2024-25 Annual Report

What You Need to Know: The California State Board of Equalization invites taxpayers, tax professionals, and interested members of the public to participate in the 2026 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The hearing provides an opportunity to share feedback, ask questions, and raise concerns about California's property tax system, the Alcoholic Beverage Tax, and BOE taxpayer services. Attend in person, participate by phone, watch online, or submit written comments in advance.

Sacramento - The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is inviting Californians to help improve taxpayer services and strengthen California's property tax system by participating in the 2026 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing.

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and gives taxpayers, tax professionals, and other interested members of the public an opportunity to speak directly with the elected Members of the State Board of Equalization about California's property tax system, the Alcoholic Beverage Tax, and their experiences with BOE taxpayer services.

"Every taxpayer's experience matters. Whether you've encountered a challenge with California's property tax system, found something that works well, or have an idea for improving taxpayer services, we want to hear from you. Listening to the people we serve helps us better understand their needs and strengthens the recommendations we make to improve taxpayer services for all Californians."
BOE Chair Sally J. Lieber

Each year, comments received during the hearing help the Board and the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate better understand the challenges taxpayers face. Those insights support recommendations to improve taxpayer education, strengthen taxpayer protections, and enhance the services BOE provides.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, tax professional, or simply interested in California's property tax system, your perspective can help improve the taxpayer experience for Californians.

The California State Board of Equalization's 2026 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m. Several people are seated, including one holding a microphone and commenting. You are invited to present ideas and concerns on Property Taxes and Alcoholic Beverage Tax. The Board Members: Ted Gaines (First District); Sally J. Lieber (Second District); Antonio Vazquez (Third District); Mike Schaefer (Fourth District); Malia M. Cohen (Controller).

How to Participate

The hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Attend in person

May Lee State Office Complex Auditorium
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

Participate by phone

877-336-4440
Access Code: 4192718#

Watch online

The hearing will be livestreamed on the BOE website.

Submit written comments

Comments may be submitted in advance through the Electronic Appearance Form available on the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing webpage. Individuals may speak at the hearing regardless of whether they complete this form.

Topics for Public Comment

• California's property tax system.
• The Alcoholic Beverage Tax.
• The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's 2024-25 Annual Report (PDF).
• Experiences, concerns, and recommendations related to BOE taxpayer services.

About the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's Annual Report

Earlier this year, the BOE released the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's 2024-25 Annual Report, which identifies common taxpayer concerns, recommends improvements to California's property tax system and the Alcoholic Beverage Tax program, and highlights efforts to strengthen taxpayer rights and services. The report will be discussed during the hearing and is available on the BOE website.

About the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing

The Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing is held annually in accordance with the Morgan Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and the California Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. It provides taxpayers and stakeholders with a formal opportunity to share their experiences and ideas directly with the elected Members of the State Board of Equalization.

Additional information, including participation instructions, the Electronic Appearance Form, and the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's 2024-25 Annual Report, is available on the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing webpage.

The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is the nation's only elected tax board. It includes four elected Board Members who represent equalization districts and the State Controller. Since 1879, the BOE has carried out its constitutional and statutory duties to support fair and equitable property tax administration in California. The BOE oversees the work of the state's 58 County Assessors to help ensure assessment practices are uniform statewide. The BOE also directly assesses the property of regulated railroads and certain public utilities. In addition, the BOE collects the Private Railroad Car Tax, and administers the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers programs. BOE's critical role in California's property tax system helps protect the tax revenues that schools, local communities, and the State depend on every day.

Board Members