CA Tools

Senior Property Tax Postponement Checker

Older, blind or disabled homeowners can put off paying this year's property taxes. See if you qualify for 2026-27.

Reviewed by the CA Tools Editorial Team · Data last verified · Official sources · Update schedule

The State Controller's Property Tax Postponement program pays your current-year property taxes for you, as a loan secured by a lien on the home at 5% simple interest. For 2026-27 you qualify if you're 62 or older, blind, or disabled, live in the home you own, have household income of $57,002 or less, at least 40% equity, and no reverse mortgage. Apply October 1, 2026 to February 10, 2027.

Check Eligibility

Property Tax Postponement Checker

Adjusted gross income plus Social Security, nontaxable pensions, public assistance and other cash income (R&TC 20503).
Mortgages, home equity loans and any defaulted property taxes.
Fill in your age, income and home value, and answer the three questions.

How the program works

  • What it pays: your current-year property taxes, sent by the State Controller straight to the county tax collector. If you already paid (or your lender did), the county refunds you.
  • Cost: 5% a year, simple interest, from the date the state pays. The state records a lien on the home; a recording fee is added when it's released.
  • Repayment: any time, and in full when you sell, move, refinance, take a reverse mortgage, let later taxes go delinquent, or die without a spouse, registered domestic partner or other qualified person who stays in the home.
  • Every year: you reapply and must meet the rules again. Funding is limited and first come, first served by postmark.

Equity here is the home's value minus everything owed against it, including defaulted taxes. The income limit rises each year with California inflation (R&TC 20585).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for property tax postponement in California?

Homeowners who are at least 62, blind, or disabled; own and live in the home as their principal residence; have total household income of $57,002 or less for 2026-27; have at least 40% equity; and do not have a reverse mortgage. You must apply every year.

How much interest does the State Controller charge on postponed taxes?

5% a year, simple interest (not compounded). On $1,000 of postponed taxes that is $50 a year. Interest keeps accruing until the postponed taxes and interest are repaid.

When do I have to repay postponed property taxes?

When you sell or transfer the home, move out, die without a spouse, registered domestic partner or other qualified person who keeps living there, let later property taxes or senior liens go delinquent, refinance, or take out a reverse mortgage. You can also repay any time.

When can I apply?

For 2026-27, the filing period runs from October 1, 2026 to February 10, 2027. Funding is limited and applications are approved first come, first served, so apply early. Call the State Controller's Office at (800) 952-5661 for an application.

Does postponement cover past-due property taxes?

No. The program pays only current-year taxes. It can't pay delinquent or defaulted taxes from earlier years, and those count against your equity. You may still qualify for the current year.

This tool provides an educational estimate only. The State Controller's Office decides eligibility; call (800) 952-5661 or visit sco.ca.gov.