Property Tax Postponement Program

Introduction

The State Controller's Property Tax Postponement Program (SCPTP) allows homeowners who are senior citizens, blind, or disabled to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence, if they meet certain eligibility requirements, including 40 percent equity in the home and an annual household income of $45,810 or less.

Applications became available on October 1 and must be submitted annually by February 10.

SCPTP funding is limited, so property owners are encouraged to file applications early.

Additional Program Information

Program Overview

The SCPTP program is a low interest deferred loan for the sole purpose of paying your current property taxes. The loan amount, plus interest, must be repaid to the State of California when the following occur:

• Property is no longer your principal residence
• Property is sold, conveyed, or transferred
• Property is subject to a delinquent senior lien
• Property owner refinances or obtains reverse mortgage

Apply Annually to Postpone Current Year Taxes

You must submit an application each year you wish to participate in the Program. Applications are accepted from October 1 through February 10 annually.  Postponement applies only to current year property taxes. Delinquent property taxes are not eligible for payment through the SCPTP program. If you have existing delinquent property taxes, you may still be eligible to defer your current year taxes, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Delinquent Taxes Excluded

Delinquent taxes are not eligible for payment through the program. Homeowners with existing delinquent taxes may be eligible for deferral of their current taxes, but they cannot incur additional delinquent taxes, if they wish to remain eligible for the program.

See also: California State Controller: Property Tax Postponement.