One of the main reasons Proposition 13 passed in 1978 was to ensure that older Californians could afford to stay in their homes. While Proposition 13 still protects seniors from large property tax increases, additional savings may be available. Check the options below to see if you qualify.

The Homeowners’’ Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in taxable value for a qualifying owner-occupied home.  This equates to about $77 a year in tax savings.

To see if you are receiving this exemption check your tax bill under “Values and Exemptions”.

You can also view tax bills online at the Tax Collector’s website: 

Visit Tax Collector's Website

For applications or more information, go to:

Homeowners' Exemption

The State Controller’s Office Property Tax Postponement program allows eligible homeowners who are seniors, blind, or have a disability, to apply to defer payment of property taxes on their principal residence. 

The applicant must own the home, occupy it as their primary residence, have at least 40% equity in the home, and meet annual household income limits (varies each year).

The deferment of property taxes is secured by a lien against the property, which must eventually be repaid.

The filing period typically runs October 1 through February 10th.  Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

For applications or more information visit: 

Visit the State Controller's Website

Taxpayers age 65 and older may be exempted from certain parcel taxes if the local ballot measure allows it.   No exemption is available for school bonds.

Bonds vs Parcel Tax

  • School Bonds:  Ad valorem taxes based on your property’s assessed value.  These charges appear under the “BASIC PROPERTY TAXES” section of your tax bill, with a rate, expressed as a percent, and an amount that is the product of the percent applied to the assessed value. There are no exemptions available for items that appear in this section.
  • School Parcel Tax: Non ad-valorem, flat fees listed under “OTHER CHARGES” section of your property tax bill.  Some may allow for exemptions for seniors.

Parcel Tax exemptions can only be granted by the agency implementing the charge. For a list of school districts, measures, and contact info visit:

Visit Tax Collector's Website