• Home
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • The crucial mistake that can cost you a property tax hike

May 2, 2025

The crucial mistake that can cost you a property tax hike

With the passage of Proposition 19, California law now requires that property be reassessed at death. That means when a homeowner passes away, their property taxes—often low due to Prop 13 protections—can increase significantly, often to 1.25% of the home’s current market value.

For most families, this can result in a substantial tax burden.

There is one exception:

If the property was the primary residence of the deceased and a child is living in the home, the property tax reassessment may be avoided. But this exception is not automatic.

To qualify:

-You must file the correct forms with the County Assessor promptly.

-The transfer must go directly from parent to child—not from sibling to sibling.

-Any mistake in how the transfer is handled can cause reassessment, even if the child remains in the home.

These rules are complex, and missing a step can cost your family thousands in higher property taxes. If you’ve recently lost a parent and want to protect your inheritance, give me a call. I can walk you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Related Posts

Neighbor warns of IRS email scam on Nextdoor

Neighbor warns of IRS email scam on Nextdoor

What my mom taught me about resilience

What my mom taught me about resilience

The crucial mistake that can cost you a property tax hike

The crucial mistake that can cost you a property tax hike

Why I answer the phone at 10 PM

Why I answer the phone at 10 PM

Geisler Patterson Law


{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}