A note for your family
You inherited a home. You do not have to sort everything out today.
You received our letter because county records show a property in your family changed hands after a loss. First: we’re sorry. Second: there are a few things about California property tax law it genuinely helps to know early.
No obligation. No documents needed. Phone or Zoom.
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Start here — 45 seconds on what this site covers.
Why we wrote to you
There is no mystery about how we found you.
We read public Orange County records. We saw a recorded affidavit of death showing that a home had changed hands. We wrote because that transfer can start a property-tax timeline—and knowing about it early can preserve choices.
The part worth knowing early
Prop 19 changed what happens to an inherited home’s tax basis.
If a parent’s or grandparent’s principal residence passes to eligible heirs, at least one eligible heir generally must make it their principal residence and claim the homeowners’ exemption within one year of the transfer for the family-home exclusion to apply. If the requirements are not met, the county may reassess the home at its current market value.
On a long-held home, the difference can be large: a tax bill under $1,000 a year could become more than $20,000 a year. That is an illustration—not an estimate of your property.
A quiet next step
Talk it through before the deadline starts making decisions for you.
Free 20-minute conversation · Phone or Zoom · We respond within one business day.