Over the years, numerous private firms have issued statewide mass mailings advising property owners that for a fee or a sizable percentage of any potential tax savings the issuer will assist the property owner in having his or her property assessment reviewed or appealed. Though support is promised or implied, the actual service rendered typically amounts to little more than a form letter sent to the Assessor’s Office or the filing of an assessment appeal. A list of supposed comparable sales might be included with the letter or application, but these computer generated lists are usually cherry-picked low value transactions and rarely include useful market indicators. A request for a review or an appeal application is a task that any taxpayer can accomplish, free of charge, with a simple phone call.

Each year, the Assessor reviews tens of thousands of properties for a potential reduction in assessed value. Currently, over 70,000 Kern County property owners realize a reduction in their Proposition 13 base value. Though the Assessor tries to resolve value disputes, not all reviews end to the taxpayer's satisfaction. If the taxpayer wishes to go beyond an informal review, filing an assessment appeal is also cost free.