San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector

Jocelyn Cox served as Auditor-Controller from 1958-1971. She was named "Who's Who in Amercian Women".

DEADLINE TO FILE CLAIM FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS IS TUESDAY Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason announced today that the last day to file a claim for Unclaimed Property Tax Refunds in San Bernardino County is Tuesday, October 27, 2020 for refunds that were issued prior to July 1, 2016. These refunds are due to a reduction in assessed value after property taxes have been paid. Taxpayers were previously mailed refund claim forms that were never... returned to our office for processing, or were mailed warrants that stale dated. We work diligently to get taxpayers their money, stated Mason. We have expanded outreach efforts to help spread awareness of these unclaimed property tax refunds and have redoubled those efforts this year. This money belongs to taxpayers, and we have spent the last four years trying to find them and reunite them with it. Unfortunately, a very small percentage is not locatable, and these are the ones we present to the Board pursuant to law. Some of the efforts made by staff as directed by ATC Mason include increased mailings to taxpayers last known address; validating returned and forwarding addresses; cross-referencing multiple parcel ownership by validating payments on several parcels; searching California Secretary of State website for refunds for corporations or LLCs; consistent follow-up calls made to all affected taxpayers; canceling stale-dated warrants so refunds would reappear on unclaimed refunds list to be worked; assisting asset recovery agents with research; and making unclaimed refunds public on ATC’s website and searchable by parcel number and address. This news release and accompanying social media announcements represent a final last effort to increase taxpayer awareness and encourage them to apply for refunds. To read the full news release please click here: https://www.sbcounty.gov//Unclaimed_Property_Tax_Refunds_2

Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason Receives Notification Earning Multiple Awards for Financial Reporting San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason was notified that his office has earned three prestigious Financial Reporting awards. The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Fina...ncial Reporting (PAFR) are given by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). In addition, ATC Mason is receiving the State Controller’s Award for Counties Financial Transactions Reporting on behalf of California State Controller Betty T. Yee. All three awards will be presented to Mr. Mason and staff at an upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting in January, 2021. I am honored to receive notification that my office will receive these awards, commented ATC Mason. As Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector, it is my priority to ensure the County’s financial records are presented in an easily-accessible and comprehensible manner to promote transparency in County government. The annual compilation of extensive financial information is truly a team effort, and I want to extend my sincere appreciation to my staff for their hard work and dedication in the service of San Bernardino County residents. GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program in 1945, and it has gained widespread recognition as the premier national indicator of excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This marks the 32nd consecutive year that ATC has received this prestigious award. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This award is presented to state and local governments that prepare annual financial reporting exceeding the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), while also preparing accurate CAFRs that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The Popular Annual Financial Reporting Awards Program was established in 1991 by GFOA. This is the 13th consecutive year and the 14th year overall that ATC has received this award, recognizing ATC’s efforts to develop a high-quality popular annual report that is designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable to the general public. This is the 15th consecutive year ATC has won this important award. https://www.sbcounty.gov//ATC_Earns_Financial_Reporting_Aw

Paul W. Nichols served as Auditor from 1946-1958. He received recognition from the CA State Auditor's Association in 1953 for his work.

Shake it out, shake it out!! This morning, the ATC department participated in the Great California Shakeout drill. All ATC employees exercised the traditional drop, cover and hold on for three minutes. One way that ATC prepares for earthquakes is by providing each employee with an emergency backpack filled with emergency essentials that is kept at their desk. Thank you ATC employees for your participation in today’s Great California Shakeout Drill! #SBCShakeout #SBSafe #Vision4Safety

Here at ATC, we have our own resident teddy bear, always ready to brighten up your day.

Did you know the teddy bear was named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt? After an unsuccessful hunting trip, a cartoon titled "Drawing the line in Mississippi", which showed Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear, was drawn by Clifford Berryman and appeared in the Washington Post. Rose and Morris Mitchom, store owners in New York City, saw the cartoon and were inspired to create the teddy bear, which they originally called "Teddy's bear." They eve...ntually founded the Ideal Toy Company which produced the bears and even allegedly wrote to Roosevelt asking his permission to use his name for their bear. Since the creation of the teddy bear, it has become one of the most iconic toys and comfort items for children and has also been featured in songs, television shows, and movies. Here at ATC, we have our own resident teddy bear, always ready to brighten up your day. See more

Ray E. Williams served as Treasurer, Ex Officio Tax Collector from 1943-1969. Any relation to previous ATC predecessor M.W.H Williams? Keep watching to find out!

ATC Mason wishes you a Happy Colombus Day! Columbus Day officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Christopher Columbus was an Italian-born explorer who set sail bound for Asia with backing from the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella aboard the ships the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Columbus intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of As...ia. Instead, on October 12, 1492, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings established colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century. Columbus and his crew's arrival to the New World initiated the Columbian Exchange which introduced the transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and technology between the new world and the old. See more

Sherman Batchelor served as Tax Collector from 1943-1948. In 1945 he received the largest tax payment at the time. For how much you wonder? Watch to find out!

REEMBOLSOS DE IMPUESTOS PREDIALES NO RECLAMADOS ¿Es dueño de una propiedad en el condado de San Bernardino? Es posible que se le deba un reembolso. El último día para presentar su reclamo es el 27 de octubre. Visite nuestro sitio web en www.SBCounty.gov/ATC/Pirfnet o llame al 909-382-3090 para obtener detalles adicionales.

Do you own property in San Bernardino County? You could be owed a refund. The last day to file your claim is October 27th. Please visit our website at www.SBCounty.gov/ATC/Pirfnet or call 909-382-3090 for additional details.

Today is World Vegetarian Day! Approximately 10% of the world’s population is vegetarian. As a vegan, vegetables are an essential part of ATC Mason’s diet and vital to a living a healthy lifestyle. So get out the carrot sticks, tofu, cheese pizza, veggie burgers, and other meat-free delights and enjoy!