About Us
Our Mission
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers’ rights, including the right to limited taxation, the right to vote on tax increases and the right of economical, equitable and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Through education and awareness, we strive to empower you, the taxpayer, to take control of your rights and influence the momentum of ballots and initiatives supportive of your rights.
Today, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has grown with the support of more than a quarter-million taxpayers!
Our Beginnings
After years of work by tax revolt leaders Howard and Estelle Jarvis, Proposition 13 was overwhelmingly approved by voters on June 6, 1978. But Howard and Estelle knew that taxpayers’ gains would be temporary without a permanent citizens organization to protect Proposition 13 and to continue the movement against higher taxes. To meet this need, they founded the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (originally called the California Tax Reduction Movement).
Although Howard Jarvis passed away in 1986 and his wife Estelle passed away in 2006, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association continues their important work.
And with the constant pressure from government for higher taxes, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association’s role as the legal and political watchdog over Proposition 13 is more important than ever.
Our Accomplishments
Working through the Legislature, courts, and ballot initiatives, the tax-fighting work of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has saved Californians billions of dollars. Estimates are that Proposition 13 has saved California taxpayers over 528 billion dollars. And when you add in all of the other HJTA victories…the average California family of four has saved more than $57,000 as a direct result of the activities of Howard Jarvis and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association!