Filing Form 571L Business Property Statement
- Businesses are required by law to file an annual Business Property Statement (BPS) if their aggregate cost of business personal property is $100,000 or greater, or if the Assessor requests the information in writing.
- Separate filings are required for each business location.
- Statements are due April 1st.
- A 10% penalty will be applied if a BPS is received after May 7. If May 7th falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, the statement can be submitted on the next business day.
- Business Property Statements are confidential documents and are held secret by the Assessor.
Filing can be done by mailing us the paper statement or by filing electronically. Most business owners will be able to take full advantage of e-filing. Unfortunately at this time, owners of apartments, aircraft or commercial agricultural property will need to file with a paper form which will be mailed to you. However for most businesses, filing on-line is the “green” alternative that saves time and maximizes efficiency for both you and the Assessor’s Office.
e-Filing Information
Electronic filing of the Business Property Statement uses a web-based application that will allow users to view, modify, and submit BPS filings on-line.
Business owners in California may e-file by using SDR or e-SDR. SDR (Standard Data Record) is designed for large businesses with multiple locations in one or more California counties. SDR simplifies the process of filing annual statements by bundling a group of statements into a single file. The SDR system only accepts statements that are filed electronically in the approved XML format. Special programming and/or software is required to create SDR files. SDR is not generally recommended for the small business owner.
e-SDR is the system that was designed with the small business owner in mind. Statements are filed through an interactive system with instructions and no special software or programming is required. e-SDR is recommended for businesses with fewer than five locations, as each location requires a separate statement. The process to file electronically is secure and fast. When you or your authorized representative has completed the form you’ll receive an immediate, on-line confirmation of your filing. In addition, you’ll have the ability to print a copy for your records.
To start your e-SDR session, click below:
e-SDR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can anyone electronically file the 571-L form?
Most general businesses can. At this time owners of apartment buildings, aircraft, and business property related to commercial agriculture must file on paper.
Do I have to print a copy of my e-SDR electronic filing?
You do not need to print a copy of the e-SDR filing, nor send a copy back to the Assessor’s Office. However, you may want to print a keep a copy for your own records.
Do I have to send back the paper 571L form also?
Do not send back the paper 571-L form if you electronically filed the 571-L form using e-SDR and received a confirmation number confirming your filing. Keep a copy of the confirmation number as proof of your filing date.
Do I need special software to use e-SDR?
Yes, you will need Adobe Reader, which most computers already have. If you do not have Adobe Reader it can be downloaded from Adobe for free.
I can’t log on to my account on the e-SDR website.
1. Go to http://www.calbpsfile.org
2. Click on the pink e-SDR button
3. On the log-in screen, you will see two fields: Account# and BIN (Business Identification Number)
4. In the Account# field, type in your account number exactly as it appears on the “Notice to File” mailed to you in February. The preceding zeros must be included when you type in the account number. For example, if your account number is 000004880005900, do not type in 4880005900.
5. In the BIN field, type in your BIN number as indicated on your notice. The web page will automatically split the number up as you type, so you don’t have to worry about spaces.
I lost my “Notice to File”. How do I get my Account Number and BIN?
For assistance please call our office at (510) 272-3848, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Will the costs that I reported last year appear on the e-SDR statement?
Last year’s cost will not appear if this is your first year filing electronically through e-SDR. If you file using e-SDR in the current year, your ‘prior’ year’s costs will appear next year.