Question on Unsecured Property Tax Bill

[Veronica Velez]

Hi, my name is Veronica. I am a new court reporter and received for the first time ever in my life a bill from the Treasurer and Tax Collecor for Los Angeles. I called them to ask what it was and they said it is because I am leasing my steno machine, a Stetnura Fushion, that I have to pay property taxes on it. I then tried calling the compnay, Univest, but they are closed for the day (They are Eastern Standar time). I do have a contract on rent to own with zero interest, but nohting was verbally mentioned about property taxes. I guess that teaches me to read all the small print on contracts before signing. The bill is not very large. I will pay it if I have too. I just like doing my research and to know what I am paying is accurate. If you have any knowledge of this, or if this does happen to you because you lease your steno machine, please let me know. Thank you.

[Caryn Alaniz Hobbis]

I, too, received an Unsecured Property Tax Bill in the mail today for my leased writer. I've leased machines before and never had to pay this. I'm into my third year on a three-year lease and have never received a bill until now for the same leased machine. I've contacted the Los Angeles County Court Reporters Association to see if they have any advice and will pass along whatever information I'm able to come up with.

[Tori Pittman]

I have to pay property taxes on my copier that I lease. It's in my lease documentation.
Sucks, too. But I guess they figure I'm in possession of the property, therefore they have jurisdiction over it.

Never believe the Government when they say they're here to help you, though; they're just here to take every penny they can.

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

I have never heard of that before. I'm in Northern California and I leased by steno machine and never received a bill for property taxes. Even back in the 80s I leased my first car and still never received a property tax bill. On the other hand, because I didn't pay attention when I closed escrow, I thought I paid property taxes for the whole year. Received a bill with penalty because it took the assessors office nine months to change ownership on the home. One lady at the county was very nice. The second phone call the lady wasn't so nice and said, "You should have called when you didn't receive." My response "It sure is easy for the county to put the blame on others when it takes them 9 months to change a document!" She was nice after that.

[Veronica Velez]

No, I'm not sure. I have never leased anything before, I don't yet own my own house, we rent. So I was surprised to see this property tax bill. But then I live in LA County too, it can be different than other cities.

[Kyung]

This is weird. Are you sure?

[Veronica Velez]

I guess I have to pay property taxes on something that is not even my own yet until paid in full. Like a house, I guess. And Stephanie at least you fought for it, even though a headache, I am sure you saved yourself plenty of unforseen headaches.
Kelli, I hear you. Yup, I agree.