Assessors Across the U.S. Push for Property Tax Exemptions
Back in 2011, I launched Saratoga’s Got Talent to raise funds for the Saratoga Senior Center — and ever since, I’ve been a steadfast advocate for seniors. As a councilmember, I heard their concerns again and again: the rising cost of healthcare, utiliity bills, and the fear of losing their homes. As County Assessor, I’m committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Nothing ventured, nothing gained — and I will fight relentlessly for a property tax exemption for seniors until it becomes a reality.
Too many seniors—after a lifetime of work, raising families, and building our community—are now burdened by rising property taxes on fixed incomes. What should be the golden years of retirement can quickly turn into financial hardship. That’s why it’s critical we stand firm in protecting Prop 13 and honor the will of the voters who put it in place. But we can do more than just that…
While California offers partial relief through programs like the Homeowners’ Exemption, the Property Tax Postponement Program, and economic hardship appeals, these are piecemeal solutions that are often complicated to navigate. They don’t go far enough to ensure true housing security for seniors. Unfortunately, seniors facing financial hardship are often targeted by predatory lenders and scams. By making property tax relief simple and accessible, we can help protect them from falling into these traps. The Homeowner’s Exemption today, which reduces the assessed value of an owner-occupied principal residence by $7,000 is just too little.
That’s why I’m fighting for a full property tax exemption for all seniors—because seniors deserve to age with dignity in the homes they built their lives around. Seniors have contributed to our community and our economy for decades, and in their golden years, they should have the security of knowing their (primary) homes are truly theirs.
✅ Already Done – Senior Property Tax Relief in Place
Colorado – Seniors 65+ can exempt 50% of the first $200,000 in value on their primary residence.
Illinois (Cook County) – Senior Freeze Exemption locks in assessed value for seniors 65+ with income ≤ $65,000.
New York State – Localities can reduce assessments up to 50% for seniors 65+, with income thresholds.
Tennessee – Senior Property Tax Freeze program locks in tax rates for eligible seniors on their primary residence.
Missouri – Counties may freeze property taxes for primary residences of seniors 62+; state eliminated income tax on Social Security/pensions.
Washington State – Exemptions for seniors, retired due to disability, and disabled veterans, based on income.
Florida – Strong homestead exemption and “Save Our Homes” cap (3% max annual increase); additional exemptions for low-income seniors 65+.
Texas – Expanded homestead exemption (up to $100K–$140K), with extra relief for seniors and disabled homeowners.
đź•’ Proposed / Currently in Process
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Michigan (SB 292) – Proposes a senior property tax exemption for principal residences
New York (Bills S5175A, S4586) – Expanding exemptions and allowing freezes for seniors in large cities with income caps.
Oregon (HB 3755) – Would grant exemptions to seniors 65+ with incomes ≤ $150K, phased in over time.
Ohio (SB 206, Patton’s Bill) – Seeks a 50% reduction or freeze in property taxes for seniors 65+.
Washington (SB 5020, Volz Bill) – Pushes to exempt or freeze assessments for seniors 75+ or disabled veterans.
Kentucky – Proposed constitutional amendment to freeze property valuations for seniors 65+.“
Here's my approach to exempt seniors
I’m pursuing the following approach:
#1 Advocacy at the State Level: I will work with legislators in Sacramento to draft a statewide “Senior Full Property Tax Exemption.” This would protect homeowners age 61+ who live in their primary residence to ensure the program targets those most in need.
#2 Immediate Relief Through Economic Distress Appeals: While we work toward permanent reform, I will explore options to expand and promote the existing economic hardship appeal process so seniors can get property tax reductions or deferments quickly, without legal red tape.
#3 Protection Until Sale: California State Controller’s program allows homeowners who are seniors, blind, or disabled to defer payment of property taxes on their principal residence if they meet certain criteria. We need a similar approach for seniors; property taxes would be waived until the home is sold. This ensures seniors can remain in their homes without financial strain.
#4 Constitutional Amendment: Amend Prop 13 to grant seniors a property tax exemption. Seniors are a huge voting bloc and the passing of such an amendment did happen in Virginia (2010) for veterans.
(Scroll down to see the plan to address the gap. Our plan seeks to fix the government waste at its source—no more robbing Peter to pay Paul)
This is about more than tax policy—it’s about respect, fairness, and keeping promises to those who’ve given so much to our county. As your Assessor, I will use my position not just to manage assessments, but to lead this fight, rally public and political support, and make sure the exemption implementation process is seamless and accessible.
The bottom line is simple: seniors have earned the right to stay in their homes without the fear of losing them to rising taxes—and I will do everything I can to make it make it easier for them.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE WASHINGTON CASE STUDY
Note: California’s State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program already lets eligible homeowners—seniors, blind, or persons with disabilities—defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence, depending on their income and equity qualifications. This program has been huge, but we can do a lot more!
Eliminate Deficit-Driving Waste
Government has long funded waste with our taxes. It’s time to cut waste and return money to the ones who need it most.
This exemption proposal does not shift the burden of taxes onto others to make up for the property tax exemption. Instead, it calls for tackling inefficiency in the public sector. Read my Measure A stance for details
A Track Record of Getting Things Done
When others said it couldn’t be done, Rishi proved them wrong. He took on the San Jose Water Company, fighting unfair rate hikes and winning relief for thousands of families. As a councilmember of Saratoga, he didn’t have jurisdiction over the investor owned utility company, CPUC did. But he managed to force the hand of CPUC and reject, reduce or suspend 10 water rate increases.
As a Saratoga City Councilmember, he led bold initiatives that reduced burglaries by a historic 50%—a record achievement which got him reelected with the highest vote count in the city’s 70-year election history.Â
Rishi delivers results by applying the tech framework of getting things done. Discover his proven record of fighting—and winning—for the people.
Rishi Kumar Has Seniors' Backs
Recent decisions could cost Seniors $50,000 to $100,000 or more after their retirement
Retired homeowners across Santa Clara County are facing new financial burdens that threaten their stability. Agencies such as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) are pushing electrification mandates that require households to replace gas appliances and upgrade electrical systems. For many older homes, this means costly rewiring and electrical panel replacements that can range from $50,000 to $100,000—a price tag most seniors living on fixed incomes simply cannot afford.
At the same time, the 2025 sales tax increase (Measure A) and the transportation tax of 2026 (Measure B) and similar proposals continue to raise tax obligations, creating an ever-growing financial strain on seniors who should be enjoying security in retirement, not worrying about being taxed out of their homes.
This is why the upcoming election for County Assessor matters so much. Rishi Kumar has a proven record of fighting for residents against powerful institutions. He has challenged PG&E repeatedly to demand accountability after years of rising utility bills and safety failures. He stood up for neighborhoods impacted by PG&E’s negligence and pushed for consumer protections.
Rishi Kumar also challenged the San Jose Water Company over repeated water rate hikes, organizing residents, demanding transparency, and successfully halting unjustified increases. His leadership saved ratepayers millions and proved he would not back down against entrenched bureaucracies.
Today, Kumar is focused on seniors—those most at risk of being priced out of their homes. He has committed to property tax exemptions for ALL SENIORS, recognizing that while mandates and taxes rise, retirement incomes do not.
By electing Rishi Kumar as County Assessor, retirees will have a watchdog who will continue fighting on their behalf—just as he fought PG&E and the Water District. For seniors, the choice is clear: a vote for Rishi Kumar is a vote to defend your home, your retirement savings, and your peace of mind.Â
Senior Property Tax Exemption in Washington State
Yes — Washington State offers property tax exemption programs for seniors and people with disabilities.Â
The exemption can reduce or eliminate certain levies for qualifying seniors.Â
The taxable value of their home is also “frozen” (i.e. the assessed value for taxing purposes won’t increase) so they’re shielded from rising market values.
There’s also a tax deferral option (not full exemption) for seniors with limited income — allowing them to defer paying taxes until later (e.g. when the house is sold).Â
Key Steps / Requirements to Qualify
To qualify for the Washington senior/disabled exemption or deferral programs, one generally must meet several criteria and complete a process:
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Age / Disability Requirement
Be 61 years or older (or 57+ as surviving spouse) to qualify for the exemption.
For deferral, age 60+ or disabled.Â
Ownership & Occupancy
Own the home as of December 31 of the assessment year.Â
Use it as your principal residence.Â
Income / Disposable Income Limits
There is a cap on the income allowed (varies by year/county).Â
Application & Documentation
Submit an exemption application during a specified period.Â
Provide proof of age, income, ownership, occupancy.Â
Renewal / Review
The exemption is reviewed periodically; changes in income, ownership, or occupancy may require adjustment.Â
Repeal California's Prop 19 - "The Death Tax"
Here are three reasons why:
The Death Tax punishes families twice — after paying taxes their entire lives, Californians are taxed again when passing down their home or savings.
It forces heirs to sell family homes or small businesses just to cover the tax bill, tearing away generational security.
It drives wealth and jobs out of California, discouraging families and entrepreneurs from planting roots in our state.
TRIVIA:
Sixty-five percent think that property tax limits passed in 1978’s Proposition 13 have been mostly a good thing for California.
About a third of adults say they are receiving poor value from the taxes they pay, while less than a quarter believe they receive good value from paying these taxes.
Rishi Kumar's Long Standing Support for Seniors
As a Saratoga City Councilmember, I supported Saratoga’s designation as an “Age-Friendly City.”
I also launched the annual Saratoga’s Got Talent competition—bringing youth and seniors together while raising over $25,000 for the Saratoga Senior Center, funding that was very much needed.
When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, I made a decision that defined my approach to public service: I suspended my congressional campaign. “When we’re in crisis, we help,” I told my team.
I mobilized hundreds of grassroots volunteers to form the Neighborhood Pandemic Preparedness Team (NPPT), modeled after Neighborhood Watch. Our mission was simple—no one gets left behind. We reached 86,000 seniors, delivered groceries, picked up prescriptions, and even dropped off favorite coffees. Volunteers sewed 4,000 masks for the Valley Medical Foundation, launched a COVID-19 information hub, and organized 25+ virtual Reality Check with Rishi town halls featuring healthcare professionals, stimulus experts, and small business advisors.
Students who lost summer jobs joined us to lead online coding camps and entrepreneurship bootcamps, providing career guidance and tech education to hundreds of youth sheltering at home.
Through it all, I stayed focused on one thing—service. “This pandemic showed us what makes America special—neighbors helping neighbors,” I said then, and I still believe it today.
Residents noticed. One senior wrote, “Thank you for the coffee gift. It is the one constant my wife of 53 years loves in the morning in a world changing too rapidly.”
Another added, “It doesn’t matter what our political party is… thank you for all that you are doing to help others!”
My actions during the pandemic weren’t about politics—they were about people. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, I chose service over self-interest.
That same compassion for seniors, commitment to community, and problem-solving leadership is exactly what I’ll bring to the Assessor’s Office.
