What Is Proposition 90?

Ordinarily under Proposition 13, the value of a home for property tax purposes is re-assessed to market level whenever a change in ownership takes place. This usually results in higher property taxes for the homebuyer. 

In November 1988, the state‘s voters approved Proposition 90, which is designed to induce greater turnover of homes owned by senior citizens. The measure provides anyone over the age of 55 with relief from Proposition 13 by allowing them to move from one county to another without undergoing a change in their basic property taxes.

Proposition 90 is a "local-option" law; each county has the option of participating. If a county has adopted a Proposition 90 ordinance, it accepts transfers of property tax base assessments from other California counties. If the county that the homeowner is moving from does not have a Proposition 90 ordinance, this does not affect the eligibility of the homeowner.

Qualifications for Proposition 90 are as follows:

(1) The purchaser or spouse must be 55 years of age, AND

(2) The replacement residence must be equal to or less than the value of the residence sold, AND

(3) The replacement residence must be located in the same county as the property being sold OR must be located in one of the counties which have voted to PASS Proposition 90 in order for the real property tax base to be transferred from the former residence to the replacement residence.

Before making plans to move, call the County Assessor's Office in the county you are moving to and request the most recent information concerning Proposition 90.

If you have a need for a real estate professional, please contact me. I would also appreciate your vote of confidence by passing my name to anyone you may know who would benefit from my services.

Julie Wyss, Broker Associate
Top 1% Intero Real Estate & Santa Clara County Realtors
408.687.2026 |  Julie@JulieWyss.com | www.JulieWyss.com