SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Equalization has announced that the annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the BOE headquarters building in Sacramento.

The annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings provide a forum for business and property taxpayers to present ideas for improving the administration of tax programs at the BOE.

“During these uncertain economic times, it is important to make available resources that may be of assistance to California individuals and businesses,” said First District Member Betty T. Yee. “I invite you to attend our annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings so that we may be of assistance to you.”

Each year the elected board members of the California State Board of Equalization hold public hearings in Sacramento and Culver City.

Taxpayers are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns related to the administration and oversight of business taxes and property taxes at the BOE. In addition to safeguarding the rights, privacy, and property of taxpayers, board members are interested in discussing ways they can help taxpayers better understand California’s state tax laws.

The hearings will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the State Board of Equalization Headquarters Building, Room 121, 450 N St., Sacramento, CA 95814.

The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearings in Sacramento will be Webcast live at www.boe.ca.gov.

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

More information about the annual hearings is available online at www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/heartra.htm.

The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearings in Culver City were held on June 21.

Enacted in January 1989, the Harris-Katz California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Law requires that the BOE ensure that the rights of California taxpayers are protected during the assessment and collection of sales and use 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 BOE is required by law to conduct public Bill of Rights hearings annually.