If you are a lower-income senior, you may qualify to have one of your parcel taxes removed from next December’s property tax bill. If you qualify, act quickly. You must apply by June 30, 2025.
First, dig out your tax year 2024/2025 property tax bill. Look at the list of Parcel Tax / Special Assessments on the second page. Is there a line labeled “1023 Santa Clara Valley Water District – Safe, Clean Water”?
This means you are currently paying the parcel tax and, if you qualify as lower income, you may request an exemption from this assessment beginning with your 2025/2026 property tax bill.
To qualify you must be 65 years or older by June 30, 2025 – i.e., the end of the fiscal 2024/2025 property tax year. You or your revocable living trust must be listed as an owner on the deed, and you must live in the property as your primary residence. Rentals units you own do not qualify. Only one owner needs to be age 65.
Your 2024 total household income must have been less than $71,640. Social Security and other nontaxable income are included in your calculation of total household income. However, the law excludes capital gains. You are not required to send in any proof of income, but you sign the application under penalty of perjury that you meet the income requirement.
This income limit is based on 75 percent of California’s Median Household Income, so it changes every year. The income limit started at $32,850 in 2000 and has now increased to $71,640—a measure of inflation in California in 24 years.
You do not have to complete an application every year. Once you have qualified for this exemption, you will receive a verification postcard by mail each April. You must verify that the address is still your personal residence and that your income does not exceed the new period’s income limitation. Remember, you know you are already receiving the exemption as long as the Safe, Clean Water is not listed in your Parcel Tax Assessments.
The application form is available online at www.valleywater.org. Enter “senior exemption” in the search box. You will need to attach a copy of your driver’s license or some other document to prove your age. The address to mail the application is at the bottom of page 2 of the form. You may also submit the application and proof of age by email at SeniorExemption@valleywater.org
If you do not have a computer to print the application, stop by the SRS office and an SRS volunteer will print a form for you to complete.
Note: The Senior Resource Services (SRS) office hours for drop-in assistance are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. The SRS office is in the Cribari Center across from the Post Office. You may also leave a message at 408-239-5253 or e-mail SRS at villagessrs@sbcglobal.net. The purpose of SRS is to provide education and general business and financial information. All assistance is free and confidential. You should ask your professional advisor about your individual situation.
