In February, my small plane was completely destroyed in a crash due to a mechanical failure. Can my plane qualify for reassessment under section 170 as property damaged by calamity?
Yes. Although misfortune or calamity is typically associated with natural physical forces, it may be broadened to include sudden, unexpected man-made causes such as non-deliberate mechanical failure on your plane. Thus, your personal property tax bill could be adjusted to reflect the zero value of your plane as of the date of the crash and prorated for the current and ensuing fiscal years. • Our home was damaged from a forest fire last September and we had to move out while it is being repaired. Are we still allowed the homeowner’s exemption even though we have not returned to our house as of January 1? Yes. Temporary absence from a dwelling for repairs made necessary by a natural disaster will not result in the loss of your homeowner’s exemption as long as you have not established permanent housing elsewhere.
