The California Tax Increase Clause, also known as Proposition 13, is a critical legislative measure that caps property tax rates in the state. Enacted in 1978, this clause aims to provide relief to homeowners and businesses by limiting the amount of property tax they have to pay. The primary purpose behind this clause was to protect individuals from exorbitant tax increases due to rapidly escalating property values. Under the California Tax Increase Clause, property taxes are restricted to a maximum rate of 1% of the property's assessed value. Additionally, property assessments can only be increased by a maximum of 2% annually, unless there is a change in ownership or new construction. This provides stability and predictability in tax payments for property owners, preventing sudden and burdensome increases in their tax liabilities. It's important to note that there are different types of California Tax Increase Clauses designed to address specific scenarios. One such provision is the Parent-Child Exclusion, which allows property transfers between parents and children to avoid a reassessment of the property's value, essentially preserving the original tax basis. This provision promotes intergenerational property transfer without triggering a potentially higher tax burden. Another important provision within the California Tax Increase Clause is the Base Year Value Transfer. This allows homeowners age 55 or older to transfer the assessed value of their primary residence to a new residence within the same county. By doing so, they can carry forward their original tax basis and avoid increased taxation due to the higher market value of their new property. In summary, the California Tax Increase Clause, also known as Proposition 13, is a legislative measure that restricts property tax rates and annual assessments. It helps protect property owners from sudden and significant tax increases due to rising property values. Alongside the main provision, Proposition 13 includes additional clauses like the Parent-Child Exclusion and Base Year Value Transfer to address specific circumstances and promote fair tax treatment.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.