Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you're a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court.
2026 REQUEST FOR VALUE REVIEW (PROP 8) California State Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 51 authorizes the Assessor to temporarily lower the assessed value of any real property when it is greater than the market value as of January 1, lien date.
If you want to ask for more than $10,000 (for individuals) or $5,000 (businesses and other entities), you need to sue in the civil division of the superior court and not in small claims court. In the civil division, lawyers can represent each side.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $12,500; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $6,250.
Sir, I am Sreya, and I am writing to authorize Sravan, my brother, to collect the registered post on my behalf as I would be unable to collect it in person. I am enclosing herewith an identification proof so that there would not be any confusion. You can contact me in case you require any clarification.
Authorization Letter Format Dear (Recipient's Name), I, (Your Full Name), hereby authorize (Authorized Person's Full Name) to act on my behalf for (specific task or responsibility). (He/She) is authorized to (describe the task, e.g., collect my documents, handle financial transactions, etc.)
Answer. The format of an authorization letter should include the date, the name of the person to whom it is addressed, details about the person who has been authorized (such as name and identity proof), the reason for his absence, the duration of the authorized letter, and the action to be performed by another person.
If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $12,500; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $6,250.
Dear Recipient's Name, I, Your Full Name, hereby authorize Authorized Person's Full Name to act on my behalf to collect Specify the Document from Location or office where the document is held. This authorization is valid from Starting Date until Ending Date, unless otherwise revoked by me.