The short answer: yes, if you're 62 or older (or blind, or disabled), California's State Controller can pay this year's property tax on your home and you repay it later, at 5% simple interest a year, secured by a lien on the home. For 2026-27, applications are open October 1, 2026 to February 10, 2027; funds are limited and approved first-come, first-served. Questions: (800) 952-5661.
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Do you qualify? The State's five rules
Tick what's true.
From the State Controller's 2026-27 Property Tax Postponement Application and Instructions, read Oct 22, 2026. "Requirements are subject to change without notice if the law is revised." Household income counts everyone who lived in the home in 2025 except minors, full-time students and renters.
Know this before you apply
- It's a postponement, not a break: "a deferment of current-year property taxes that must eventually be repaid."
- When it comes due: the postponed taxes and interest become due when you move, sell or transfer the home, or pass away without a spouse, registered domestic partner or other qualified person who keeps living there.
- Old unpaid taxes don't count: State law doesn't allow paying delinquent or defaulted taxes through the program; those stay yours.
- Mobile and manufactured homes qualify with the HCD Certificate of Title and Registration Card.
- Floating homes and houseboats don't.
The tax calendar it sits on: first installment late after December 10 at 5pm. A home in a trust, a life estate or a contract of sale needs extra signatures or consent; the application lists them.
How to apply
- Get the application at ptp.sco.ca.gov or call (800) 952-5661.
- Gather proof of income for everyone in the household for 2025, your photo ID, and the latest property tax bill.
- Send it in early in the window; the State notifies you by mail.
The County Treasurer-Tax Collector explains how it handles postponed taxes: sdttc.com. Email: postponement@sco.ca.gov.
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"If property tax is tight: California can postpone it for homeowners 62+, repaid later at 5%. Here's who qualifies:"
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- The paperwork side: PJ gathers the income papers and ID with you, fills out the application, and gets it in early in the window. $30 an hour.
"It's about being nice and showing up." PJ, a real person in Cardiff and Solana Beach. He doesn't give tax or legal advice; the State's line above answers program questions. Prices are set in one place and shown before anything starts.
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Questions people ask
Can seniors postpone property taxes in California?
Yes. Homeowners 62 or older, or blind, or disabled, who live in the home, had 2025 household income of $57,002 or less, have at least 40% equity and no reverse mortgage can apply to the State Controller. The State pays the current-year tax; you repay it later with 5% simple interest a year.
When can I apply for property tax postponement for 2026-27?
October 1, 2026 to February 10, 2027. Funding is limited and approved first-come, first-served, so earlier is better.
What is the interest rate on postponed property taxes in California?
5 percent a year, simple interest computed monthly, until it's repaid.
When do postponed property taxes have to be repaid?
When you move, sell or transfer the home, or pass away without a spouse, registered domestic partner or other qualified person who keeps living there. Repayment is secured by a lien on the home.
What is the phone number for California property tax postponement?
(800) 952-5661, or ptp.sco.ca.gov and postponement@sco.ca.gov.
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