Home keys and a model house — Proposition 19 reassessment math

Proposition 19 changed how inherited and over-55 transfers affect your property tax. This infographic breaks the math into two clear paths.

Direct AnswerUnder Prop 19 (2026), a child inheriting a parent’s primary home keeps the parent’s assessed value plus a roughly $1M exclusion; value above that is reassessed. Separately, over-55 owners can transfer their low base value to a new California home up to three times.
Figures are as of 2026. Illustrative trend lines and ranges are directional, not appraisals.

What this shows

Proposition 19 reshaped two common property-tax moves in California. Path A is the parent-to-child exclusion: a child inheriting a parent’s home can keep the parent’s low assessed value plus roughly a $1 million exclusion — but only if the home becomes the child’s primary residence. Market value above that protected basis gets reassessed.

In the illustrative example, a $300,000 assessed value plus the ~$1M cap protects $1.3M of value. A $1.6M market value means $300,000 spills over the cap and is reassessed, pushing the new assessed value to roughly $600,000 instead of the old $300,000.

Proposition 19 math A visual showing the parent-child exclusion: the child keeps the parent's low assessed value plus about one million dollars; market value above that cap is reassessed. A separate path shows over-55 owners transferring their base year value. How Prop 19 Math Works (Illustrative) Path A — Parent-to-child inherited home (must remain primary residence) Parent's assessed value + ~$1M exclusion added to basis = New taxable basis Market value ABOVE (assessed value + ~$1M) is reassessed to market and added on top. Illustrative example Parent's assessed value: $300,000 Exclusion cap: + $1,000,000 → protected basis = $1,300,000 Market value at transfer: $1,600,000 → $300,000 over the cap is reassessed New assessed value ≈ $300,000 + $300,000 = $600,000 Path B — Over-55 (or disabled / disaster) base-value transfer Sell current home, keep its low base value → Transfer it to a new CA home, up to 3 times Pricier home adds only the difference Dollar figures shown are illustrative. Confirm exact rules and the indexed exclusion amount with the county assessor.
Prop 19 parent-child exclusion and over-55 base-value transfer, illustrated. Example dollars are illustrative.

The over-55 transfer (Path B)

Homeowners who are 55 or older (or severely disabled, or victims of wildfire/disaster) can carry their existing low base-year value to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times. If the new home costs more, only the price difference is added to the transferred base.

Sources & methodology

The structure shown — parent-child exclusion with a roughly $1M cap, reassessment of value above the cap, and the over-55 base-value transfer — reflects Proposition 19 as of 2026. The exclusion amount is indexed and the dollar figures in the example are illustrative only. Prop 19 has strict timing and eligibility rules; confirm specifics with your county assessor and a qualified tax professional. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.

Primary sourcesCalifornia Prop 19 Guide. General information only — verify current figures and confirm legal, tax, or financial questions with a licensed professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion?

The child can keep the parent’s assessed value plus an exclusion of roughly $1 million (the amount is indexed). Market value above that protected basis is reassessed. The home must become the child’s primary residence to qualify.

Can someone over 55 keep their low property taxes when moving?

Yes. Under Prop 19, homeowners 55 or older (and certain disabled owners or disaster victims) can transfer their existing base-year value to a replacement California home up to three times. If the new home costs more, only the difference is added.

Are the dollar figures in the example exact?

No. The numbers in the worked example are illustrative to show how the math flows. The exclusion amount is indexed and rules are strict — confirm your specific situation with the county assessor and a tax professional.

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