You asked for a description of California's property tax relief programs for senior citizens. This program also provides assistance for senior citizen or disabled renters. Repayment of all taxes is due when the property is sold or title is transferred. To obtain the postponement, an applicant must submit a claim to the state controller's office. Interest is charged on the postponed taxes and is added to the amount of the lien.
Participants can choose to pay all or part of their taxes at any time.
Approved applicants receive a certificate of eligibility that they sign and present to the county tax collector. The collector accepts the certificate in lieu of the property owner's tax payment, and the state pays the county for postponed taxes. This program is separate from the property tax assistance program, but qualified applicants can participate in both. Any tax assistance money a participant in the postponement program receives is deducted from the amount of the state's lien on the property. This program allows individuals who are at least 55 years old to sell their residence, buy a new one of equal or lesser value, and transfer the old residence's assessed value to the new home.