Transferring a Tax Base to Another County

Facts you should know:

• Claims must be filed within three years of the date the replacement property is purchased or newly constructed.
• The replacement dwelling must be purchased or newly constructed within two years (before or after) the sale of the original property. The purchase or new construction of the replacement dwelling must include the purchase of that portion of land on which the replacement structure will be situated.
• Special rules apply to multi-unit dwellings.
• The principal claimant must be 55 years of age at the time the original property was sold, and an owner of record of the original property and replacement dwelling.
• The principal claimant must have been (1) receiving or eligible for a Homeowner's Exemption or (2) have been receiving a Disabled Veteran's Exemption on the original property and replacement dwelling.
• The market value of both the original property and the replacement dwelling will be adjusted to include the market value of any improvement bonds which may appear as liens on the properties at the time of sale.
• The replacement dwelling must be equal to or lesser in value than the original property. "Equal or lesser value" of a replacement dwelling has been defined as: 100% of the market value of the original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased before an original property is sold; 105% of the market value of the original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased within one year after the sale of an original property; 110% of the market value of the original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased within the second year after the sale of the original property.
• The following is a list of counties that will allow a tax base transfer:
  • Alameda
  • Kern
  • Los Angeles
  • Marin
  • Modoc
  • Orange
  • San Diego
  • San Mateo
  • Santa Clara
  • Ventura