Propositions 60 and 90

Propositions 60 and 90 offer property tax relief for senior citizens (55 or older) who sell their principal residence and purchase a replacement home of equal or lesser value within the same eligible county or between eligible counties. The eligible counties in California are Alameda, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Modoc, San Diego, San Mateo and Santa Clara. Basically, the current assessment is transferred to the next property without a new assessment being used.

This benefit can be used only once in a lifetime, however, persons who have used the benefit upon reaching age 55 may use it again if they later become severely and permanently disabled. The original dwelling must be a principal residence occupied by the owner either at time of sale, or within 2 years of purchase or construction of replacement dwelling. In addition, the replacement dwelling must be purchased within 2 years of the sale of the original property and it must be purchased at fair market value. It is always wise to consult a qualified attorney or tax advisor before starting a transaction.

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1031 Exchange

Tax Deferred Exchange (Section 1031)
A property owner wanting to defer (postpone) any current tax when selling a non owner occupied property would need to trade for a property with an equal, or larger equity than the present one, or at least for one with equal value. An exchange of eligible real properties allows deferring income tax on a potential gain.

A capital gain tax is currently avoided unless an owner has a gain in his present property AND receives boot. Boot consists of cash, personal property, a note, or the difference of taking over a smaller loan versus a larger existing one. Eligible property (like kind property) means any combination of investment property (including vacant land), income producing property,
or business property.

It is important to see your accountant before participating in any deferred exchange transactions

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