County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen warns of property tax scam

San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen issued a warning to the public on Tuesday regarding a property tax scam. The fraudulent scheme falsely claims that homeowners can freeze or reduce their property taxes by filing a nonexistent federal IRS “Form 1098-SR.”

Cohen clarified that no such IRS form or federal property tax relief program exists. The scam promotes a fake federal initiative that purportedly allows seniors and other homeowners to lower their tax bills, freeze property taxes, or bypass specific local taxes and school bonds.

“These types of scams can be especially concerning for homeowners who are looking for legitimate ways to reduce their property tax burden,” Cohen said. “There is no federal 1098-SR form that freezes or reduces property taxes. If you receive an unsolicited communication promising property tax savings, take a moment to verify the information through an official government”

The federal government does not have the authority to cap, determine, or freeze local property tax assessments. Property taxes are governed by the state of California and are managed through various state and local agencies.

According to Cohen, scammers often utilize official-sounding terminology, government-related language, telephone calls, or social media videos to make these fraudulent programs appear credible. They frequently create a false sense of urgency, pressuring homeowners to pay a fee or disclose sensitive personal and financial information in exchange for a supposed tax benefit.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office reminded property owners of the following:

— There is no federal 1098-SR property tax relief form or program.

— Do not provide your Social Security number, banking information, or other sensitive personal information in response to an unsolicited call, email, text message, letter or website.

— Do not send money or pay a fee to someone who promises a property tax reduction or exemption without first verifying that the program is legitimate.

— Be skeptical of claims that a federal program can eliminate or freeze local property taxes, school bonds, or other charges on a California property.

— Verify property tax information directly through an official government website or by contacting the appropriate government agency.

“Scammers often rely on urgency and official-sounding language to convince property owners that they need to act immediately,” Cohen said. “If someone contacts you about your property taxes and the information doesn’t sound <a href="https://parentmoneylife.com/2026/09/16/the-garmin-vivoactive-6-is-70-off-right-now/” title=”The Garmin Vivoactive 6 Is $70 Off Right Now”>right, don’t act on the request until youve independently verified it.”

There are several established property tax relief programs, including:

— Proposition 13, which generally limits annual increases in a property’s assessed value to no more than 2%, except when there is a change in ownership, new construction or another event requiring reassessment under state law.

— Proposition 19, which allows eligible homeowners who are 55 or older, severely disabled, or victims of wildfire or other natural disasters to transfer their taxable base-year value to a replacement principal residence, subject to eligibility requirements.

— Homeowners’ Exemption, which provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value for an owner-occupied principal residence.

— Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, which provides property tax relief for qualifying disabled veteran, and under certain circumstances, their surviving spouses.

— Property Tax Postponement, a program allowing certain eligible seniors and blind or disabled homeowners who meet income, equity and other requirements to postpone payment of current-year property taxes. The postponed taxes must ultimately be repaid, and a lien is placed on the property.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam is urged to report the incident to law enforcement and consumer protection authorities.

“When in doubt, go directly to theould rely on official government websites and agencies for information about property taxes and available tax relief programs — not unsolicited calls, social media videos or individuals promising savings in exchange for a payment or personal information.”

For information about San Diego County property taxes, visit sdttc.com.