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Who We Are

California Tax Data is a trailblazer dedicated to transforming the world of California property tax data. We have been on a mission to empower both homeowners and government agencies with clear, accessible information. Our commitment to transparency and evolving with the ever-changing real estate landscape sets us apart. With decades of expertise, we continue to redefine industry standards and provide invaluable insights to all stakeholders.

Our Founder

Peter Placey, Pioneering Property Tax Visionary

For over three decades, Peter Placey has been a distinguished authority in California property tax data. Renowned as the architect behind the California Tax Disclosure Report, Placey’s influence extends across millions of reports issued to California home buyers. His expertise emerged from the legal landscape shaped by Proposition 13, enacted in 1978, limiting property taxes and paving the way for Placey’s pivotal role in transforming property tax information.

Timeline

1960s-1970s
Escalating Real Estate Prices

The rapidly increasing real estate prices in California during the 1960s and early 1970s prompt concerns about property tax burdens, especially for retired individuals on fixed incomes.

1978
Proposition 13 Enactment

In response to the challenges posed by rising property taxes, California voters approve Proposition 13 in 1978. This constitutional amendment limits property taxes to one percent of the fair-market value at the time of sale and caps annual increases at two percent.

1982
Introduction of Mello-Roos Act

Facing revenue challenges, California lawmakers enact the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act in 1982. Viewed by some as a workaround to Proposition 13, it provides an alternative funding source but sparks controversy due to its impact on property taxes.

Mello-Roos Special Taxes and Notice of Special Tax
The Mello-Roos Act introduced special taxes that could double property taxes, often perceived negatively by the public. These taxes were complex, foreclosable liens, leading to a disclosure requirement for sellers and agents. This requirement included obtaining a Notice of Special Tax from government agencies that established the districts.

1986
Creation of GFG

Peter Placey establishes The Government Finance Group (GFG) to offer administrative services to government agencies involved in Mello-Roos and 1915 Act Districts. The surge in Mello-Roos adoption post-Proposition 13 triggers an increased demand for administrative services.

1990
Comprehensive CPSA Study

GFG conducts a thorough study of all Mello-Roos and 1915 Act Districts in California for the California Public Securities Association (CPSA). The study addresses negative perceptions and homeowner concerns. Placey’s purchase of property tax data for all 58 counties sets the groundwork for a custom database, revolutionizing property information distribution.

1996
Birth of California Tax Data

Responding to rising inquiries from the real estate industry, Placey establishes California Tax Data (CTD). The focus is on creating a statewide database determining a property’s Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts status, setting a new industry standard. Early reports incorporate valuable information from the CPSA Study.

2000
Legislative Impact

Placey collaborates with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) to amend Seller disclosure requirements, extending them to properties in 1915 Act districts. Senate Bill 1122 becomes law, leading to the introduction of the California Tax Disclosure Report on January 1, 2001, marking a paradigm shift in real estate industry standards.

2001
Introduction of the California Tax Disclosure Report

California Tax Data released the California Tax Disclosure Report, the first-ever statewide solution enabling sellers to provide crucial information to buyers. This groundbreaking report set a new standard of care in the real estate industry, marking the inception of a tax reporting industry and solution.

2005
Vision for bulkCA

Placey’s venture into bulkCA begins with a project for the Poway Unified School District, laying the groundwork for a public website on Mello-Roos data organization. While successful, it fuels Placey’s vision for a more comprehensive solution.

2019
bulkCA Initiative

California Tax Data initiates the development of bulkCA, the inaugural application under the CTD family. This pioneering effort aims to integrate and disseminate public data from each county to all local government agencies, addressing data accessibility gaps in local governance.

2021
Launch of bulkDB

California Tax Data launches bulkDB, the second application under the CTD family. This platform centralizes the purchase of California public data, offering customers instant downloads and a powerful interface for efficient data exploration.

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“To say that this reduced phone call and customer follow up would be a gross understatement”

Administrator, Poway Unified School District