Eligible California homeowners may postpone payment of all or part of their property taxes through the Property Tax Postponement Program administered by the State Controller's Office.  To qualify for the program, a homeowner must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 62 years of age, or blind, or disabled; and
• Own and occupy the property as his or her principal place of residence; and
• Have a total household income of $31,500 or less (in 2007); and
• Have at least 20% equity in the property.

The deferred payment is a lien on the property and becomes due upon sale, change of residence, or death.

Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 2719 (Chapter 616, Statutes of 2006) in September 2006. Tthis legislation increases the maximum income threshold from the current $24,000 to

• $31,500 for applications submitted in the year 2007
• $35,500 for applications submitted in the year 2008
• $39,000 for applications submitted in the year 2009

To apply, a homeowner must file a claim form with the California State Controller's Office. The Controller will establish an account to pay all or part of property taxes on the home. A Property Tax Postponement lien will be recorded on the home. Simple interest will accrue on the postponed amount at a rate set in July by the California Legislature. For more information, contact the State Controller's Office, toll free, at 1-800-952-5661.

The lien and interest are not due until the resident moves out of the home, sells or otherwise conveys title to another or dies without a spouse or other qualified individual continuing to reside in the home. Repayment is required if future property taxes or other senior liens become delinquent.

Deadline
The filing period for property tax postponement is the third Monday in May through December 10. A claim must be filed each year that the homeowner wishes to participate in the program. For more information and an application, call the State Controller's Office, toll free, at 1-800-952-5661.

Property Tax Postponement Information