Transferring Tax Base to Another Property

Property is reassessed when it is purchased or transferred. This usually means an increase in taxes. Under some circumstances, homeowners can transfer their base year value (Proposition 13 value) to a replacement property. Completely fill out form BOE 502-A, Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR), so our office knows if you qualify for any of these exclusions. Contact us if you have any questions.

Age 55 and Older

Persons over 55 years of age are able to transfer the taxable value of their principal residence to a replacement principal residence located in any California county, up to three times. This allows you to downsize to a smaller residence without increasing your costs. See the Board of Equalization Age 55 and Older(PDF, 255KB) information sheet for more details. Form BOE 19-B, Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Primary Residence for Persons at Least Age 55 Years, can be found on our forms page.

Disabled Persons

Severely and permanently disabled persons can transfer the taxable value of their principal residence to a replacement principal residence located in any California county. Property owners are allowed up to three transfers anywhere in the state. See the Board of Equalization Disabled Persons(PDF, 261KB) information sheet for more details.

The Assessor will need completed copies of forms BOE 19-D, Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Primary Residence for Severely and Permanently Disabled Persons and BOE 19-DC, Certificate of Disability.

Disaster Relief

Victims of a wildfire or natural disaster to transfer the taxable value of their primary residence to a replacement residence anywhere in the state. The requirements are the same as the taxable value transfer for Ages 55 and older, except there is no age requirement. The original property must have been substantially damaged or destroyed from a wildfire or Governor declared disaster, with over half of the market or improvement value lost to be considered “substantially damaged.” File Form BOE 19-V, Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Primary Residence for Victims of Wildfire or Other Natural Disaster.

Property that will not be replaced can still get some tax relief. The Assessor's office is able to reassess the property to show the damage. Read the instructions carefully when filling out the Calamity Application for Reassessment form on our forms page.

Acquisition by Public Entity

When a taxpayer purchases or constructs a replacement property as a result of their property being taken away by government action, the Assessor can transfer the factored base year value of the original property to the replacement property.

This provides property tax relief to people whose property has been taken by eminent domain proceedings, acquisition by a public entity, or government action resulting in a judgment of inverse condemnation. Form BOE-68, Claim for Base Year Value Transfer Acquisition by Public Entity, is available in the Real Property section of the forms page. In addition, the Assessor will require a certified copy of one of the following:

  • The final order of condemnation or order of possession showing the effective date the agency or organization is authorized to take possession of the property.
  • The recorded deed showing acquisition by a public entity.
  • The judgment of inverse condemnation.
  • A document that clearly indicates the name of the acquiring agency, the date condemnation proceedings began, and the date the agency took possession.