Mindful Realtor, Coldwell Banker Carlsbad Encinitas
Prop 19 Property Tax Transfer Summary
Prop 19 allows eligible California homeowners to transfer their current property tax base to a new home anywhere in the state, up to three times. This offers a major benefit if you’re planning to downsize, move closer to family, or relocate to a new area — without facing a significant property tax increase.
Who Qualifies:
Homeowners 55 or older at the time of sale
Heirs of Inherited property (with new limits)
Severely disabled individuals
Disaster victims
Key Requirements
Both properties must be primary residences
Replacement home must be purchased or built within 2 years of selling original home
If you buy before selling, you’ll pay full property taxes on the new home until the original is sold— must be within 2 years.
How the Tax Base Transfer Works
You can transfer your tax base without adjustment if the new home is equal or lesser in value—up to 100%, 105%, or 110% depending on timing. For example:
If the new home costs more, the price difference is added to your tax base. For example:
Original home tax base = $300,000
Sold for = $600,000
New home = $700,000
New tax base = $300,000 + ($700,000 – $600,000) = $400,000
How to Apply
If qualifying based on age, submit form BOE-19-B, Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Primary Residence for Persons at Least Age 55 Years, to the County Assessor where the replacement property is located.
The information presented is intended to provide general and summary information about Proposition 19 and is subject to change. Please visit www.boe.ca.gov.