California voters might get a say this November on whether homeowners can be exempt from paying property taxes. The proposal, officially titled Exempts Certain Homeowners Aged 60 Or Older From Property Taxes, is currently moving through the state’s legal process.
According to the legal summary prepared by the California Attorney General, the exemption would apply to a main residence if the homeowner (or their spouse) is 60 or older and has either lived in the home for five consecutive years or in California for at least ten years.
The exemption would end if the property no longer qualifies as a primary residence, and after five years, homeowners must certify their continued eligibility to maintain it. For cash-strapped seniors, this could be a meaningful financial relief.
Still, political analysts explained to ABC, that at the moment, the measure faces a major challenge to make it onto the ballot, as it needs to gather nearly 875,000 valid signatures by August 4, 2026.