Press Releases

Property Tax Postponement Deadline Fast Approaching

PR20:2
1/27/2020
Contact: JENNIFER HANSON
(916) 324-2709

SACRAMENTO—State Controller Betty T. Yee today reminded California homeowners the deadline to apply for California’s Property Tax Postponement (PTP) program for the 2019-20 tax year is February 10. 

“If you think property tax postponement could be helpful to you or a loved one, I encourage you to act now,” said Controller Yee, the state’s chief fiscal officer. “It takes time to gather documents to verify ownership, income, and equity, and I want every eligible homeowner who could benefit from facing one less tax bill to have that opportunity.”

At a minimum, each PTP applicant must submit a completed application and copies of their 2019-20 property tax bill, photo identification, ownership deed, and 2018 federal tax return. A checklist in the application packet and instructions will show if individual circumstances require additional documentation.

The PTP program, administered by Controller Yee, allows homeowners who are seniors, are blind, or have a disability and who meet eligibility requirements to delay payment of property taxes on their primary residence. The State Controller’s Office pays property taxes to the county for a homeowner approved for PTP. A lien is placed on the real property, or a security agreement filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development for a manufactured home, until the account is paid in full. 

In the 2018-2019 tax year, California homeowners were able to postpone more than $3.5 million in residential property taxes. This year, manufactured homes also are eligible for property tax postponement, making tax deferment available to a greater number of seniors and Californians with disabilities who are living on limited incomes.

Funding for PTP is limited, and applications are processed in the order they are received. Participants must reapply each year and demonstrate they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Applications and additional program details can be found online or by calling (800) 952-5661.

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Yee is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018, Controller Yee is the tenth woman elected to a statewide office in California’s history. Follow the Controller on Twitter at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.

###