Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption Checker
A simple, permanent $7,000 assessed-value reduction almost every owner-occupant qualifies for — but you have to file once to get it.
If you own and occupy your home as your principal residence, you likely qualify for a flat $7,000 reduction in assessed value — worth roughly $77/year at a typical 1.1% tax rate. It's a one-time filing (BOE-266) that auto-renews every year after approval.
Answer a couple of quick questions to confirm eligibility and estimate your savings.
Homeowners' Exemption Checker
Your Homeowners' Exemption Result
How this is calculated
Eligibility is simple by design: you must own the home and occupy it as your principal residence on the January 1 lien date. If both are true and you haven't filed yet, you're leaving a flat $7,000 assessed-value reduction on the table — file form BOE-266 with your county assessor by February 15 for full exemption; late filing through December 10 gets a partial (80%) exemption for the full exemption that year (a late filing through December 10 still gets a partial, 80% exemption).
This tool estimates your dollar savings by multiplying the $7,000 reduction by your entered effective tax rate (1.1% default, reflecting the 1% Prop 13 base rate plus typical local voter-approved bonds).
Once filed and approved, this exemption automatically renews every year with no further paperwork, as long as you continue to own and occupy the home — notify your assessor by December 10 if you ever stop qualifying (move out, rent it out, sell), to avoid a penalty for an improperly continued exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the California Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption?
It's a flat $7,000 reduction in your home's taxable assessed value — not a $7,000 reduction in your tax bill itself. At a typical 1.1% effective rate, that's roughly $77/year in actual savings.
Who qualifies for the Homeowners' Exemption?
Any owner who occupies the home as their principal place of residence as of January 1 (the lien date) of the tax year. It applies to houses, condos, and manufactured homes — not rental or vacation properties.
Do I need to reapply for this exemption every year?
No. It's a one-time filing (form BOE-266) with your county assessor. Once approved, it automatically renews every year as long as you continue to own and occupy the home as your principal residence.
What's the filing deadline?
File by February 15 to get the full exemption for that tax year. A late filing between February 16 and December 10 gets you a reduced (80%) exemption for that year instead of missing it entirely.
Can I combine this with other property tax exemptions?
Generally, yes for exemptions that serve different purposes (like the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, which can substitute for or exceed this one). You can't claim the standard Homeowners' Exemption on a property where you're already claiming the Disabled Veterans' Exemption — check with your assessor on how the two interact for your situation.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not tax advice. Confirm your filing status and exact deadlines with your county assessor's office.