FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2026

INYO TREASURER HIGHLIGHTS PROPERTY TAX POSTPONEMENT PROGRAM

INDEPENDENCE – Inyo County Treasurer-Tax Collector Christie Martindale urges eligible taxpayers to take advantage of the California Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP) if they are having difficulty keeping up with residential property tax payments.

Administered through the California State Controller’s Office, the PTP program allows homeowners to postpone payment of property taxes on their primary residence without incurring penalties. To be eligible, homeowners must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least age 62, or blind, or have a disability;

• Own and occupy the home as their primary place of residence;

• Have a total household income of $57,002 or less;

• Have at least 40 percent equity in the property; and

• Other requirements.

The interest rate for taxes postponed under the PTP program is 5 percent per year. A lien will be placed on the property – or a security agreement filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development for a manufactured home – until the account is paid in full.

Repayment under the PTP program becomes due when the homeowner:

• Moves or sells the property;

• Transfers title;

• Defaults on a senior lien;

• Refinances;

• Dies; or

• Obtains reverse mortgage.

Applications will be accepted from October 1 to February 10, and will be processed in the order received. Only current-year property taxes are eligible for postponement. Martindale noted that funding for the program is limited, so it’s important to apply as soon as the application period opens.

“This program has been in existence for several years,” she said, “but unfortunately, not many homeowners are aware of it. This initiative could be really helpful for many in our community, so I strongly urge taxpayers to learn how to take advantage of it and to apply in a timely manner.”

For more information, contact the State Controller’s Office at (800) 952-5661 or [email protected], or visit https://www.sco.ca.gov/ard_taxinfo.html.