Sacramento, Ca – Individuals and businesses with ideas or concerns about the administration and oversight of California’s business and property taxes are invited to attend the Board of Equalization’s (BOE) annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings in Culver City on June 24, 2014.

“We invite California taxpayers to share with us their ideas for how government can serve them better,” said Board of Equalization Member George Runner. “We welcome taxpayer feedback not just at these hearings but also every day of the year.”

The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the following location:

When:                Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Where:              Board of Equalization District Office

                           5901 Green Valley Circle

Culver City, California 90230

Individuals interested in making a presentation at either the Business Taxpayers’ or the Property Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing are invited to contact the BOE Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office by calling toll-free 1-888-324-2798, or by email at www.boe.ca.gov/info/emailtra.htm.

Enacted in January 1989, the Harris-Katz California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights requires the BOE to ensure that the rights of California taxpayers are protected during the assessment and collection of sales and uses taxes. The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights was expanded in 1993 to include special tax programs such as excise, fuel, and alcohol taxes, and the Morgan Property Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights was added in 1994. The Board is required by law to conduct public Bill of Rights hearings annually.

More information about the annual hearings: www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/heartra.htm

Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office: www.boe.ca.gov/tra/tra.htm

Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s 2012-13 Annual Report: www.boe.ca.gov/tra/tra1213.pdf

Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings are webcast at www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/board_hearing_audio.htm

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Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents the State Board of Equalization’s Second District. He is a leading advocate for California taxpayers. Runner has worked to improve California’s tax policies and practices and to create and retain more private sector jobs in our state. Prior to his election to the Board, Runner served twelve years in the State Legislature, authoring the well-known California Amber Alert and California’s Blue Alert. As a thoughtful conservative, his legislative priorities included improving the economy, business growth, education excellence, and public safety for all Californians. As a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, Runner consistently led the fight against tax increases and supported tax relief for families and businesses.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $56 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.