Program overview
The State Controller's Property Tax Postponement Program (SCPTP) allows homeowners who are senior citizens, blind, or disabled to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence, if they meet certain eligibility requirements.
The SCPTP program is a low interest deferred loan for the sole purpose of paying your current property taxes. The loan amount, plus interest, must be repaid to the State of California when the following occur:
- Property is no longer your principal residence
- Property is sold, conveyed, or transferred
- Property is subject to a delinquent senior lien
- Property owner refinances or obtains reverse mortgage
Application for postponement of current year taxes
Applications became available in September and are accepted from October 1 to February 10 each year. You must submit an application annually if you wish to participate in the Program.
SCPTP funding is limited, so property owners are encouraged to file applications early. Postponement is only applicable to the current year's property taxes.
Delinquent taxes excluded
Delinquent property taxes cannot be paid through the SCPTP program. However, if you have delinquent property taxes, you may still qualify to defer your current year taxes, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.