The Hidden Property Tax Advantage Many California Homeowners Don’t Realize They Have
If you purchased your home many years ago, your low property tax base may be one of your most valuable financial assets.
Proposition 19 may allow eligible homeowners age 55 or older to move to another home in California without completely resetting their property taxes.
Understanding how this works before making a move can save tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Disclaimer:
This page is for general educational purposes only. Always confirm your specific tax situation with your CPA and county assessor.
Why This Matters Before You Move
Many longtime California homeowners have property tax bills that are dramatically lower than today's buyers.
Situation Annual Property Taxes
Homeowner who purchased 25 years ago~$4,000
New buyer purchasing today~$25,000
Estimate Your New Property Taxes
Enter:
• Current assessed value of your home
• Estimated sale price
• Estimated purchase price of replacement home
The calculator will estimate:
• Your transferred taxable value
• Estimated property tax with Proposition 19
• Estimated typical property tax without the transfer
• Potential annual tax difference
Calculator Disclaimer
This estimator provides rough planning estimates only.
Actual tax treatment may vary based on county assessor interpretation, timing of transactions, exemptions, and other factors.
Consult your CPA or tax advisor before making decisions.
Example Scenarios
ScenarioNew Home PriceTax With Prop 19Typical Tax Without Transfer
Downsize$650,000~$4,400~$7,800
Same price move$700,000~$4,400~$8,400
Move up$1,200,000~$8,600~$14,400
Large upgrade$2,000,000~$18,200~$26,000
Common Proposition 19 Mistakes
1. Assuming all tax transfers work the same
Prop 19 rules differ from inheritance rules.
2. Not confirming timing rules
The purchase and sale timing window matters.
3. Confusing inheritance with senior transfers
These are separate parts of Proposition 19.
4. Buying first without understanding temporary tax impacts
5. Waiting until after a purchase to ask questions
Why Families Work With Kevin & Kiri
Most real estate agents focus on selling a home.
We focus on helping families make smart decisions before moving.
We help clients:
• understand rough tax scenarios before acting
• think through buy-first vs sell-first timing
• coordinate conversations with CPAs
• evaluate different property options
• avoid costly surprises during major transitions
Our goal is simple:
Help you move wisely.
Call To Action
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