Solano County, CA: Property Tax Appeal Instructions (2025-26)

Key facts at a glance

The 60-second primer

Your taxable value is the lesser of: (a) your Proposition 13 factored base-year value, or (b) your home's market value on January 1 (the lien date).

If the market value is lower on that date, you can request a temporary Prop 8 reduction for the year. A Prop 8 value can later rise by more than 2 percent as the market recovers, but it can never exceed your Prop 13 track unless you trigger reassessment, according to California State Board of Equalization guidance.

If you own property in multiple counties, see our county-specific guides for all California counties.

New to property tax appeals? Start with our Appeal 101 guide.

The Solano "Informal" Route (Prop 8 Review)

Most homeowners should start here. It is quick, free, and often resolves things without a hearing. If you're debating whether to try the informal path first, read about the tradeoffs between informal and formal appeals.

Step 1: Confirm your enrolled value

Look up your parcel and the current assessed value on the county's property and assessment search. You are trying to show your January 1 market value is lower than what is on the roll.

Step 2: Build evidence that fits January 1

Gather three to five comparable sales near your home and closed around January 1. If you later need a formal appeal, note that Solano's appeals guidance says the Board cannot consider sales that occurred more than 90 days after the lien date. Keep your comps close in time, size, condition, and location, and be ready to explain your adjustments. Learn how to find and present comparable sales effectively if this is your first time building a comp grid.

Step 3: Submit the Prop 8 request by November 30

Complete the county's Assessment Review Request (Prop 8) form and return it to the Assessor. For 2025-26, the request must be postmarked by November 30, 2025.

Step 4: Watch your mailbox

If you are under Prop 8, the Assessor reviews value each lien date. If you still disagree, or if time is running short, file a formal appeal before the deadline in the table.

The Solano "Formal" Route (Assessment Appeal)

If the informal review does not fix the gap, the Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) can.

Step 1: Check your timing and assessment type

Solano's regular roll filing window is July 2 through November 30, with an automatic move to the next business day if Nov 30 lands on a weekend or holiday. For 2025, the last day is December 1, per California State Board of Equalization guidance. Supplemental and escape assessments have 60 days from the notice date.

Step 2: File the application correctly

Use the BOE-305-AH application and submit it to the Clerk of the Board, 675 Texas St., Suite 6500, Fairfield, CA 94533, with the $35 non-refundable fee. Solano does not accept applications by email or fax. Mail or hand delivery only.

Step 3: Know the forum

The AAB is a three-member, quasi-judicial panel that hears your case independently of the Assessor.

Step 4: Build and exchange your evidence

Comparable sales must be anchored to the lien date. Solano's booklet says the Board will not consider sales more than 90 days after January 1 for a decline-in-value appeal. You may request an Exchange of Information so both sides share exhibits at least 30 days before the hearing. Plan to bring seven sets of exhibits for the Board and parties.

Step 5: Hearing day and outcome

You must keep paying taxes while your case is pending. The Board can decrease, leave unchanged, or increase your assessed value. There is typically a 10 to 12 month wait for a hearing, and the Board has up to two years from your filing date to decide. If you're concerned about the possibility of an upward adjustment, we explain the risks and how to minimize them. If you want written Findings of Fact, request them in advance and budget the $150 deposit per parcel.

DIY evidence checklist that actually works

The items below focus on what assessors actually care about when reviewing your case.

Frequently asked questions

Can my assessment jump more than 2 percent in one year?

Yes, if you are on a temporary Prop 8 reduction and the market rebounds. Prop 8 values can increase by more than 2 percent until they return to your Prop 13 track, but never above it unless reassessed, per California State Board of Equalization guidance. This is one of several common misconceptions we address in our myth-busting guide.

Do I need to reapply for a Prop 8 reduction every year?

No. If your property is under Prop 8, the Assessor re-reviews the value each lien date. You only need to file again if you disagree with their result.

What if I miss the formal filing window?

You cannot appeal that year's regular roll value. You can still appeal a later supplemental or escape assessment if one is issued, within 60 days of that notice.

Where do I verify my parcel information and current assessed value?

Use the county's Property and Assessment Search tool.

How long does this take?

Solano notes a typical wait of 10 to 12 months for a hearing, and the Board has up to two years to decide. Plan accordingly.

Example: How Prop 8 interacts with Prop 13

When market value dips below your Prop 13 track, you ride the lower number. When it recovers, you return to your Prop 13 track, never above it without reassessment, per California State Board of Equalization guidance.

How AppealArc helps

AppealArc takes no cut of any tax savings from your appeal. It pulls your neighborhood's closest sales around the lien date, clean the outliers, and build a tight, assessor-friendly grid. You get a polished packet that matches what Solano's AAB expects, not a binder full of vibes. Get your free estimate of tax savings at AppealArc.

Rules are local. Always verify the current instructions with Solano County and the county's official sites before filing.