Tax Appeals Assistance Program
Taxpayers and others with appeals before the Members of the Board of Equalization (BOE) are able to seek free legal assistance through the BOE's Tax Appeals Assistance Program, which is managed by the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office. Qualified law students, who are supervised by BOE tax counsels, advise individuals (appellants) with appeals under $20,000. The students research and draft appeal briefs, and handle other matters on behalf of the appellant.
Assistance is offered to qualifying appellants with state income tax, consumer use tax, and Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act appeals in which a decision by the Board of Equalization has been requested.
General information about the BOE appeals process is available as follows:
- Publication 81, Franchise and Personal Income Tax Appeals
- Publication 17, Appeals Procedures - Sales and Use Tax and Special Taxes
- Publication 143, Your Appeal Hearing Before the Board Members
For additional information about the Tax Appeals Assistance Program, call the Program Coordinator in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office at 916-319-9199 or refer to:
- Publication 215, Tax Appeals Assistance Program
Please note: The BOE's Tax Appeals Assistance Program is not available to assist you with an appeal of your property tax assessment. Please contact your county assessor for assistance. You may also view a video on Your Assessment Appeal.