Change in Ownership Statement Death of Real Property Owner (BOE-502-D)
Whenever an interest in real property is transferred by reason of death, certain information is required to be reported to the Assessor-Recorder. The purpose of the "Change of Ownership Statement Death of Real Property Owner” is to assist the Assessor-Recorder in determining the proper assessments after the death of a real property owner. Based on this information, the Assessor-Recorder determines if the transfer of an interest in real property is subject to, or may be excluded from, reassessment. To report the information requested by the Assessor-Recorder after the death of a real property owner, please complete and return the “Change of Ownership Statement Death of Real Property Owner”, to the Assessor-Recorder's Office.
Please mail completed forms to:
Office of the Assessor-Recorder, P.O. Box C, Civic Center Branch, San Rafael, CA 94913.
For additional information from the Assessor-Recorder's Office please telephone (415) 473-7231.
Initial Purchaser Claim for Solar Energy System New Construction Exclusion
(BOE-64-SES)
California law provides that under certain circumstances the initial purchaser of a new building with an active solar energy system may qualify for a reduction in the assessed value of the property. “Active solar energy system” means a system that uses solar devices, which are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy. “Active solar energy system” does not include solar swimming pool heaters or hot tub heaters.
The construction or addition of any active solar energy system includes the construction of an active solar energy system incorporated by the owner-builder in the initial construction of a new building that the owner-builder does not intend to occupy or use. The exclusion from "newly constructed" provided by this subdivision applies to the initial purchaser who purchased the new building from the owner-builder, but only if the owner-builder did not receive an exclusion under this section for the same active solar energy system and only if the initial purchaser purchased the new building prior to that building becoming subject to reassessment to the owner-builder, as described in Revenue and Taxation Code section 75.12 (d).
To qualify for this reduction in the assessed value, a claim form must be completed and signed by the buyer and filed with the Assessor along with any documents necessary to identify the value attributable to the active solar energy system included in the purchase price of the new building.
Revenue and Taxation Code section 73.
Please mail completed forms to:
Office of the Assessor-Recorder, P.O. Box C, Civic Center Branch, San Rafael, CA 94913
For additional information from the Assessor-Recorder’s Office please telephone (415) 473-7215
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RECORDER FORMS
Marin County Recorder
Documentary Transfer Tax Guidelines
Documentary Transfer Tax is a tax on the value or consideration of real property transferred by deeds or other instruments. The State Revenue and Taxation Code 11902-11934 governs this tax. The tax code directs the Recorder to rely upon the declaration unless there is reason to believe otherwise. Documentary Transfer Tax is based on $500.00 increments and is charged at $0.55 for every $500.00 of value or consideration or portion thereof, minus any loans assumed in the sale or transfer. The City of San Rafael has enacted an ordinance that charges an additional real property transfer tax of $2.00 for each $1,000.00 of value or consideration or portion thereof with no exemption for assumed loans.
Common Exemptions
Gift Deed - A gift of property is exempt from tax provided that no new money or financing is involved.
Confirms Title in Grantees Name - A deed given to remove a cloud on title where the grantor has no interest in the property, such
as one spouse deeding to the other to remove any possible community property interest, or a deed to remove an expired option to purchase,
is exempt from tax.
To and from Revocable Trusts - A deed that transfers the grantor's interest to or from a revocable trust when the trust is solely
for the benefit of the grantor, is exempt from tax.
Changes Manner in Which Title is Held - This only applies to conveyance where the grantors and grantees are the same and their
percentage of interest does not change. A deed changing joint tenants to community property is the most common example of this exemption.
Confirms Name Change - This applies to a change in the name of the entity holding title, not a change in the entity. A name change
upon marriage is an example of this exemption.
Conveyance to a Public Agency - If the United States or any political subdivision is acquiring title to property, the deed
is exempt from transfer tax.
Some Leases and Assignment of Leases - A lease or assignment of lease with a term, plus any option(s) for renewal, of less than
35 years is exempt from tax.
Should there be any further questions, please contact the Recorder's office at (415) 473-6093 between 9:00am and
4:00pm, Monday through Friday excepting holidays.
- Documentary Transfer Tax
Transmittal
Unless the transfer is a direct sale at fair market value and all pertinent information is listed on the Preliminary Change of ownership
report (PCOR), a Documentary Transfer Tax Transmittal will need to be included along with the Deed and PCOR.
- Documentary Transfer Tax
Transmittal (Secure/Terminate Finances Only)
If the transfer is solely to secure or terminate finances and is followed by a Deed of Trust, a documentary transfer tax worksheet for
securing/terminating financing must accompany the deed.
Other Recorder Forms
- Document Cover Page (GC 27361.6)
The top 2-1/2 inches of the first page or of any document submitted for recordation is reserved for recording information. The left-hand 3-1/2
inches of the space shall be used by the public to show the name of the person requesting recording and the name and address to which the document
is to be returned following recording. In the event the first page or sheet of a document does not comply with these requirements, a separate page must be
attached to the front of the document which meets these criteria and which reflects the title or titles of the document. Regular recording
fees apply to the additional page.
- Declaration Of Exemption From Survey
Monument Preservation Fee (Chapter 3.49 Marin County Code)
The Marin County Board of Supervisors has adopted an ordinance establishing the Survey Monument User Fund and imposing a user fee of $10.00
per recorded deed. All Grant Deeds (with some exceptions, including those noted below) will be subject to this fee.
Grant Deeds excluded from this fee include deeds conveying easements or oil or mineral rights only; those recorded or re-recorded solely for
the purpose of correcting an error in a previously recorded document; and deeds which describe the property conveyed as an entire lot (or lots)
created by a final recorded map. No exemption will be granted, however, unless the document is accompanied by a signed Declaration.
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