Highlights of Proposition 60 and 90

Reprinted with permission from Gustavo Gonzalez, Valley View Properties, San Jose, CA

Avoid Paying Increased Property Taxes When Moving

Are you over 55 and worried about the tax implications when you purchase or relocate to a new location?  If so, you aren't alone.  Individuals 55 and over find themselves approaching retirement age and becoming the empty nesters: Their housing needs change along with their lifestyles but inflation and taxes keep increasing.  That is where Proposition 60 and Prop 90 can help.
What is Prop 60?  Proposition 60 is a constitutional amendment, approved by California voters, that provides property tax relief under certain circumstances. Prop 60 allows qualifying property owners to replace their primary residence with a new home of equal or lesser value and maintain their same tax base.  With Prop 60, what is transferred is the Proposition 13 or "base year value" of the old home, which can be substantially less than the current market value of either home.

How can I qualify for Prop 60?  Both the original home and the new home must be located in the same county. Both the original and replacement properties must be your primary residence.  Both properties must be eligible for the Homeowner's Exemption or Disabled Veteran's Exemption.  The seller or spouse residing in the home must be at least 55 years old when the original property is sold.  The replacement home must be of equal or lesser value than the current market value of the original home.  There is some wiggle room within this rule, depending on when the new property is purchased.  For the purchase of a home that occurs 1 to 2 years after the sale of the original home, the "equal or lesser" rule can change slightly.  If the replacement home is purchased or moved into within one year you can purchase up to 105% of the value of the original home.  If within two years, you can go up to 110% of the value.  purchase of the replacement property must be completed within two years of the sale of the original property in order to qualify for Prop 60.  Application for tax relief must be filed within 3 years of the purchase of the new home.  This is a once in a lifetime benefit. Neither spouse can file again.
How do I file for Prop 60 tax relief?  Contact your county assessor's office.  The assessor will determine if the transaction qualifies and provide you with the claim forms.

What is Proposition 90?  Prop 90 is an amendment that permits the  property owner to carry the benefits of Prop 60 throughout California.  Each county in California has the option to accept tax base transfers from other counties, allowing qualifying homeowners more flexibility when planning a move.  Counties are not required to participate, and currently there are only 7 counties in California that accept Prop 90.  These counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Diego, Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara.  This number changes, as counties have the option to repeal their participation, so check before making a move.

Prop 60 and Prop 90 are great extensions of Proposition 13, which was the initial break offered to the property tax paying public.  If you think either might be something that will work for you, please consult your tax advisor or your county assessor for details.