How to apply for California Property Tax Postponement (PTP)

Who it's for

Property Tax Postponement (PTP) lets qualifying senior, blind, or disabled homeowners defer their property taxes — the state pays the county on the homeowner's behalf, and the deferred amount becomes a lien on the property repaid when the home is sold, transferred, refinanced, or the owner moves out. It's one of California's most under-claimed senior benefits despite deferring thousands of dollars in property taxes each year. Applications for the 2026-27 fiscal year are accepted October 1, 2026 through February 10, 2027 on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted; the household income limit is $57,002.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate) — or proof of blindness/disability if applying under those pathways
• Proof of identity
• Most recent property tax bill
• Documentation of all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, tax returns)
• Documentation of home equity (recent mortgage statement showing balance vs. home value)
• Confirmation that no reverse mortgage exists on the property

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about California Property Tax Postponement (PTP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate) — or proof of blindness/disability if applying under those pathways, proof of identity, most recent property tax bill — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you are eligible before applying. You must be a senior, blind, or disabled homeowner in California with a household income of $57,002 or less. Make sure your home does not have a reverse mortgage, as that disqualifies you from the program.
2. Gather your proof of age — a driver's license or birth certificate. If applying under the blindness or disability pathway, gather documentation of that status instead.
3. Collect proof of identity along with your most recent property tax bill.
4. Pull together documentation of all household income. This includes items such as a Social Security award letter, pension statements, and tax returns.
5. Gather documentation of your home equity, such as a recent mortgage statement that shows your loan balance compared to your home's value. Also confirm in writing or note for your records that no reverse mortgage exists on the property.
6. Apply between October 1, 2026 and February 10, 2027 — either online or by calling the California State Controller's Office at 1-800-952-5661. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out, so apply as early as possible.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the California State Controller's Office will review your documents and eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact the office at 1-800-952-5661 for an estimate on your specific application. If approved, the state pays your property taxes directly to the county on your behalf. That deferred amount becomes a lien on your home, which is repaid when the home is sold, transferred, refinanced, or you move out. Because this is an annual program, you must re-apply each year during the October 1 through February 10 application window to continue postponing your property taxes.

Renewals

annual (re-apply each year between October 1 and February 10)

Related reading

• Senior Benefits in San Bernardino County: A Complete Guide · 4 min read
• Riverside vs. San Bernardino County: How Senior Benefits Compare · 3 min read
• Moving a Parent to a New California County: What Happens to Their Benefits · 4 min read