San Bernardino County offers property tax postponement program

San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason recently announced that the 2025-26 Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP) is now available to qualifying taxpayers. This loan program allows eligible homeowners, including low-income seniors and disabled individuals, to postpone the payment of their current year’s property taxes on their primary residence.

“Low-income seniors, the blind, and disabled residents of San Bernardino County deserve all the assistance we in government can provide,” said Mason. “Helping residents remain in their homes, despite having financial challenges, is a top priority for me. I encourage all who qualify and are struggling to pay their property taxes to apply for this program as soon as possible. If my staff can assist, please don’t hesitate to contact them at 909-387-8308.”

Applications will be accepted from October 1, 2025, through February 10, 2026, and will be processed in the order they are received. To qualify, a homeowner must meet all the following criteria.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Be at least 62 years of age, or blind, or disabled;
• Own and occupy the property as his or her principal place of residence;
• Have a total household income of $55,181 or less for the 2024 calendar year;
• Have at least 40 percent equity in the property; and
• Not have a reverse mortgage on the property.

Requirements are subject to change without notice if the law is revised.

Postponed taxes and interest become due and payable when the homeowner:

• Moves from the property;
• Sells or conveys title to the property;
• Dies and does not have a spouse, registered domestic partner, or other qualified individual who continues to reside in the property;
• Allows future property taxes or other senior liens to become delinquent; or
• Refinances or obtains a reverse mortgage for the property.

Program participants must reapply each year and demonstrate they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Interest will apply, currently at a rate of 5%.

Funding for the program is limited. Applications are online at www.sco.ca.gov under the Public Services tab. For more information, please visit the SCO’s website at www.sco.ca.gov, or you may also contact the SCO by phone at (800) 952-5661 or by email at postponement@sco.ca.gov.