California voters approved Prop 19 in the 2020 election, creating a few special rules pertaining to property taxes for these selected groups that go into effect April 1, 2021:
- Homeowners Over 55
- Disabled Homeowners
- Natural Disaster Victims
- Inherited Properties
This opens up a lot more real estate options for the designated groups to move, downsize, and find their newest dream home without being overwhelmed with new property taxes!
MOVE ANYWHERE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Eligible homeowners will be able to transfer the taxable value of a primary residence anywhere in the state within two years of the sale of the original primary residence.
DOWNSIZE TO A MORE COMFORTABLE HOME
Eligible homeowners could use the special rules to move to a smaller home to meet their current household comfort levels without incurring the higher property taxes on it.
PURCHASE A MORE EXPENSIVE HOME
Eligible homeowners could use the special rules to move to a more expensive home. Their property tax bill would go up, but not by as much as it would for other buyers.
UTILIZE THE TRANSFER MULTIPLE TIMES
Homeowners over 55 or who are severely disabled may transfer the taxable value of a property up to three times in their lifetime. Natural disaster and wildfire victims will be allowed a transfer once in a lifetime.
CHANGES FOR INHERITED PROPERTIES (EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 16, 2021)
All reassessment exemptions for inherited properties only apply if the property is used as a primary residence by the child (or sometimes grandchild) or used as a family farm. In cases in which the current market value of an inherited property exceeds the parent’s taxable value by more than $1M, the child’s taxable value will be assessed at current market value and reduced by $1M. The State Board of Equalization will adjust the $1 million amount of inflation beginning February 16, 2023 and every following two years.