What is the process for a senior citizen to transfer their Proposition 13 property tax base to a new home in California?

To transfer your Proposition 13 property tax base to a new home as a senior citizen, you must sell your original primary residence and file a claim with the county assessor within the required timeframes. Here is how the process works under current California law (Proposition 19): Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility You must be at least 55 years of age when you sell your original primary residence. The home you sell must be your principal residence, and the new property you purchase must become your new principal residence. Step 2: Sell Your Original Home and Buy a New One You must buy or build your replacement home within two years (before or after) the sale of your original home. The new home can be located in any of California's 58 counties and can be of any value. Step 3: Obtain the Claim Form Download form BOE-19-B, "Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Primary Residence for Persons at Least Age 55 Years." You can find this form on the website of the county assessor's office where your new (replacement) home is located. Step 4: Complete and File the Claim Fill out the form completely. You will need information about the sale of your original property and the purchase of your replacement property, including dates, sale/purchase prices, and property addresses. File the completed form with the county assessor for the county where your replacement home is located. You must file this claim within three years of purchasing your replacement home. Important details and nuances: This tax base transfer can be used up to three times. If your replacement home is of equal or lesser value than your original home's market value, your original tax base will transfer directly. If your replacement home is more expensive, your new tax base will be your old tax base plus the difference between the market value of the new home and the original home. Warnings and limitations: The deadlines are strict. Missing the two-year window between the sale and purchase or the three-year window for filing the claim will result in a denial. Ensure all information on the claim form is accurate and that you have supporting documents like deeds and closing statements available if requested. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.