Controller Malia M. Cohen Announces Opening of the 2026-2027 Property Tax Postponement Program Filing Period

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- State Controller Malia M. Cohen today announced that applications for property tax deferment are now being processed. 

The California's Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program, administered by Controller Cohen, allows eligible homeowners who are seniors, blind, or have a disability to delay payment of property taxes on their primary residence.

"Owning a home provides stability, security, and a sense of community, but keeping up with housing costs can be difficult. The Property Tax Postponement Program is here to help eligible seniors and Californians with disabilities manage their current year property tax," said Controller Cohen.

Last year, eligible homeowners postponed almost $7.7 million in residential property taxes.

To qualify for the PTP Program this tax year, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 62 years old, or be blind, or have a disability,
• Own and occupy the home as their primary residence,
• Have a total household income of $57,002 or less in 2025,
• Possess at least 40 percent equity in the property, and
• Not have a reverse mortgage on the property.

Participants must reapply each year and demonstrate they continue to meet eligibility requirements. When an applicant is approved, a lien will be placed on the real property or a security agreement will be filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development for a manufactured home, until the account is paid in full.

Funding for the PTP Program is limited. Applications will be processed in the order they are received, beginning October 1, 2026. The final filing deadline for the current tax year is February 10, 2027. 

Applications and additional program details can be found, by calling (800) 952-5661, or emailing [email protected].

Property owners affected by California fires or other California disasters may be eligible for another tax relief program that allows for reappraisal of damaged or destroyed property. For more information on this program, visit the California Board of Equalization's disaster relief website.

As the chief fiscal officer of the fourth-largest economy in the world, California State Controller Malia M. Cohen independently oversees and manages the state's financial resources with integrity and transparency to build trust. Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state's financial resources. She has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. The Controller is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation's two largest public pension funds. Follow the California State Controller's Office on X, Facebook, and YouTube at @CAController and on Instagram at @CaliforniaController.

SOURCE California State Controller's Office