Over 55 Exemption For Sonoma & Marin Residents

By Shayne Bowen

Replacement Residence Exclusion

This law (AB 60) allows qualifying Sonoma & Marin County residents 55 years of age or older to acquire a replacement dwelling and transfer the taxable value of their old dwelling to the replacement. For many people, this can result in substantial tax savings.

To qualify:

You must be 55 years of age or older or severely and permanently disabled when your original residence is sold.

You must have owned and occupied the home you are replacing as your principal dwelling at the time of its sale.

The replacement property must be your principal dwelling and it must be of equal or lesser market value than your original home.

You must also have built or purchased the replacement property (including the land on which the new residence is situated) within two years of the sale of your original home.

If you are in Sonoma County, both your original and replacement dwellings must be located in Sonoma County. If you are in Marin County, both your original and replacement dwellings must be located in Marin County.

You must have sold your original property prior to filing a claim for this exclusion, and the transfer of your original residence must have been subject to reappraisal at fair market value.

You must apply for this tax relief by submitting an application form to the Assessor within three years of the date you purchase or complete construction of your new home.

You cannot have had previous property tax relief granted under this provision (i.e., you can only do this once).

Sonoma County: For more information, or for a copy of the application form, or for assistance completing and submitting the form, please visit, write, or contact the Sonoma County Assessor. The assessor may be reached at 707-565-1888. Also, for more information, visit their website by clicking here. Once you are at their website, click on 'Search,' then enter 'AB 60' and 'Begin Search.'

Marin County: For more information, or for a copy of the application form, or for assistance completing and submitting the form, please visit, write, or contact the Marin County Assessor. The assessor may be reached at 415-499-3794. Also, for more information, visit their website by clicking here. Once you are at their website, click on 'Search,' then enter 'AB 60' and 'Begin Search.'

If you would like a complimentary, personalized property value analysis, please phone Shayne Bowen at 707 577-8200! (Alternately, you may click here to make a request for a personalized property value analysis.)  
If you are interested in making a purchase or exchange of a property, please phone Shayne Bowen at 707 577-8200! (Alternately, you may click here to request information on potential properties for you.)