Homestead Exemption Guide
Menu

CA · Flat dollar exemption

California homestead exemption

Yes.

Main exemption
$7,000 off assessed valueTaxable value of the home (all property taxes on it)
Filing deadline
February 15
Own and live there by
January 1
Renewal
Renews automatically
Where to file
County assessor

Yes. California's Homeowners' Exemption takes $7,000 off the taxable value of an owner-occupied principal residence. Proposition 13 also limits yearly increases in your home's base year value to no more than 2% until it sells or is newly built on. File a one-time claim (BOE-266) with your county assessor by February 15 for the full exemption.

Last verified · Sources

How much the California exemption is worth

The California Constitution provides a $7,000 reduction in taxable value for a qualifying owner-occupied home. Rentals and vacation homes do not qualify.

$7,000 off assessed value · applies to taxable value of the home (all property taxes on it) · source

Assessment cap: 2% a year

Under Proposition 13, homes are reassessed to market value only on a change in ownership or new construction, and the base year value generally cannot rise more than 2% a year. This applies to all real property, not just homesteads. Source.

Who qualifies

  • You own the home and it is your principal place of residence on the January 1 lien date
  • Rentals and vacation homes do not qualify
  • You must tell the assessor when you stop qualifying

Deadline and renewal

First-time filers can file any time after becoming eligible, but by February 15 to get the full exemption for that year. Claims filed by December 10 get 80% of the exemption.

It is a one-time filing that stays on as long as you are eligible. Notify the assessor by December 10 when you no longer qualify to avoid a penalty.

If you missed the deadline

Homeowners' Exemption claims filed after February 15 but by December 10 receive 80% of the exemption. Source.

Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners

California additional homestead exemptions
WhoProgramAmountDetails
SeniorsBase year value transfer for owners 55+ or severely disabled (Prop 19)Not in our dataOwners at least 55, or severely and permanently disabled, can move their taxable value to a replacement home anywhere in California bought within two years of selling. If the new home costs more, the difference is added; this can be used three times. Source
VeteransDisabled Veterans' Exemption (basic)$100,000 off assessed valueVeterans rated 100% disabled from a service-connected injury or disease (or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability), or their unmarried surviving spouse, get a basic exemption of $100,000, adjusted yearly for inflation. It is a one-time filing. Source
VeteransDisabled Veterans' Exemption (low-income)$150,000 off assessed valueThe exemption rises to $150,000 (adjusted yearly for inflation) for claimants under the household income limit. Annual filing is required for this level. Source

Moving: can you keep your savings?

Yes, some of the benefit can move with you. Owners 55 or older, severely disabled owners, and disaster victims can transfer their base year value to a replacement home anywhere in California under Proposition 19. Claims must be filed within three years of buying or finishing the replacement home. Source

Law: Cal. Const. art. XIII, §3(k); Rev. & Tax. Code §218

California county guides

Local offices, online filing links and local amounts for 13 counties, largest first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to file every year?

No. The Homeowners' Exemption is a one-time filing with the county assessor. You must tell the assessor when the home stops being your principal residence.

What if I file after February 15?

If you file by December 10 you get 80% of the exemption for that year.

I bought my home after January 1. When do I qualify?

The home must be your principal residence on the January 1 lien date. You can file any time after you become eligible.

Sources

Last verified

See something wrong or out of date? Report an error.

Compare nearby states