Hi, I am Barry Frazier, a training instructor with the California State Board of Equalization’s County-Assessed Properties Division.

The purpose of this learning session is to explain the significance and use of the index, percent good, and valuation factors found in Assessors' Handbook Section 581.

Session lessons demonstrate the use – and calculations involved– for various factors, and factor tables, in the valuation process.  Session lessons also provide practical examples of using the AH 581 factors to calculate the value of different types of equipment and fixtures, as well as exercises designed to check your understanding of using factors to value personal property and fixtures.

The objectives of this learning session are: 
- to provide an understanding of the purpose of each type of factor, found in Assessors’ Handbook Section 581;
- to identify the basis, or source, of each type of factor; and,
- to demonstrate how to use each type of factor, and the factor tables, to estimate the market value of personal property and fixtures for California property tax purposes.

By the end of the session, you will:
- understand the purpose and basis of each type of factor found in Assessors' Handbook Section 581; and,
- know how to use the factors presented in the handbook to calculate an estimate of value for taxable personal property and fixtures, as of a specific property tax lien date.

If you are a certified property tax appraiser, or an auditor-appraiser, working for a California county assessor's office or the Board of Equalization, you can obtain training credit for taking this online learning session by successfully completing and submitting the examination found at the end of this learning session.

We sincerely hope that you find the information presented in this learning session valuable. Thank you for participating.