Araujo Law Offices, PC

Araujo Law Offices, PC has been fighting for property owners in Santa Monica and the surrounding Westside for over a decade. The firm takes a methodical approach to property tax appeals, combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of how Los Angeles County assessors value residential and commercial real estate. It's not just about filing paperwork — it's about building a case that holds up. Founding attorney Carlos Araujo brings a background in tax law, criminal defense, and family law, which gives the firm a versatile edge when property disputes intersect with broader legal matters. Whether you're a homeowner who received an unexpected reassessment notice or a commercial landlord dealing with an inflated valuation, the team here takes time to understand your specific situation before recommending a path forward.

The firm handles the full spectrum of property tax matters in California. On the residential side, that means reviewing your county assessment for accuracy, comparing your valuation against recent comparable sales, and filing formal appeals with the Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board when there's a legitimate case to be made. The team also helps homeowners navigate Proposition 19 transfers and base-year value challenges. For commercial clients, the practice covers office buildings, retail strips, multi-unit residential properties, and mixed-use developments. These assessments are more complex and often more susceptible to error, which means the upside of a successful appeal can be substantial. The firm also advises on supplemental assessments that often catch property owners off guard after a purchase or renovation. Beyond property tax, the firm offers tax law services that cover disputes with the California Franchise Tax Board and IRS, as well as matters that blend into criminal defense when tax issues escalate. Family law services round out the practice for clients going through divorce who need property valuation handled correctly during asset division.

The process starts with a free consultation where the firm reviews your current assessment notice and any supporting documents you have on hand. From there, the team pulls comparable sales data and examines how the assessor arrived at your property's value. If there's a discrepancy worth pursuing, they'll prepare and file an application for changed assessment with the county. Once the appeal is filed, the firm handles all communication with the assessor's office and prepares for any informal review meetings or formal hearings before the Assessment Appeals Board. Hearings in Los Angeles County can take time to schedule, but the team keeps clients updated at each step. If the board rules in your favor, the county issues a refund for overpaid taxes. The whole process typically runs six to eighteen months depending on caseload at the board.

Araujo Law Offices primarily serves clients in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Marina del Rey, and Culver City. The firm also takes cases throughout Los Angeles County when the property type or circumstances are a strong fit. If you're just outside these areas, it's worth calling — the team evaluates cases individually and doesn't turn clients away based on geography alone.