Santa Cruz County Government
Property Tax Postponement
This information, produced by the Santa Cruz County Assessor explains how the blind, the disabled, or senior citizens may postpone the payment of their property taxes.
What is the Property Tax Postponement Program?
This program allows eligible homeowners to postpone payment of part or all of the property taxes on their residence.
What are the eligibility requirements for this program?
The following elements are necessary to qualify for this program:
a. You must be blind or disabled,
b. OR you must be 62 years of age or older.
c. You must have an annual income of $24,000 or less.
d. You must own and have lived in your primary residence for at least one year prior to filing.
What is the filing period for this program?
The filing period for postponement is May 15 through December 10 of each year. To avoid a delinquency penalty assessed by the County Tax Collector, the claim form must be postmarked no later than December 10.
You must file a claim each year that you wish to participate in the program. Only one claim may be filed for each home each year. The County Tax Collector will cancel any delinquent penalties and interest if the claim form was mailed by the final filing date.
What is the rate of interest I must pay?
The rate of interest is set in July of each year and that rate applies only to that particular year's postponed taxes. For the current rate of interest, please contact the State Controller's Office at 1-800-952-5661 after July 15th.
What happens after my application is approved?
Upon approval by the State Controller, you will receive two (2) Certificates of Eligibility. These certificates will be marked 1st installment and 2nd installment, one for each installment due. They will be made out to you and the County Tax Collector. Your taxes will not be postponed until the Tax Collector has recieved the signed certificates.
Can I file for both Property Tax Postponement and Homeowner Assistance?
The Property Tax Postponement program is a separate and distinct program from the Homeowner Assistance Program. You may participate in either program or both if you qualify.
- The Homeowner Assistance Program is administered by the Franchise Tax Board (www.ftb.ca.gov); therefore, to obtain assistance claim form (FTB9000) please contact them directly (refer to your telephone directory for the local number). The filing period is July 1 through October 15.
- If you file for postponement of taxes, you should contact the Franchise Tax Board to determine if you also qualify for Homeowner Assistance. Whatever amount you may qualify for will be applied against the State's lien on your property thus reducing your obligation to the state by that amount.
Where may I pick up a form?
Forms are available by contacting the State Controller at 1-800-952-5661 or by going to their website at www.sco.ca.gov.
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