New program allows low-income California seniors to postpone property taxes

The County of Santa Cruz announced that eligible low-income elderly, blind or disabled homeowners can postpone their property taxes under a new state-funded program.

This is the first time manufactured homes will be included. The county said between Oct. 1 and Feb. 10, property owners can apply for property tax postponements. Those are available on a first-come, first-served basis

During the 2019-20 fiscal year, the state will fund $13 million in loan postponements as part of the Property Tax Postponement Program.

To be eligible, you must:

Be at least 62-years-old, blind or have a disability. Own and occupy the home as a primary residence. Have a total household income of $35,000 or less. Have at least 40% equity in the home. Meet other requirements.

The program gives eligible homeowners the option to postpone property tax payment on their primary residence. It makes the current year property tax payments on behalf of approved applicants to the Santa Cruz County Tax Collector’s Office. The accounts accrue simple interest with the state at 7% per year and a lien is recorded against the property until accounts are paid in full.

Repayment is due when the homeowner moves, sells, transfers title, defaults, refinances, dies or gets a reverse mortgage.

For more information, you can call the State Controller’s team at 800-952-5661 or email questions to postponement@sco.ca.gov.