Exempt Seniors – Rishi Kumar for Assessor

Exemption from Property Taxes...

Property tax reform is sweeping the country and Rishi Kumar is leading charge! He has launched a property tax exemption ballot initiative for all residents aged 60 and over (primary residence only). No senior should lose their home because of rising property taxes!

Across America, many states* and counties have already implemented senior property tax relief — why not Santa Clara County? Rishi’s plan keeps full funding for schools, roads, and essential services — cutting waste in government, not vital programs.

Rishi Kumar is also the only candidate in the Assessor's race who's committed to protecting Prop 13.

👉 We’d love your input—take the survey here.

Press Release Announcing the Ballot Initiative

Rishi Kumar Advances Property Tax Exemption Ballot Initiative for Aged 60 and Over
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release: Senior Property Tax Exemption Ballot Initiative
Santa Clara County, CA — [November 2nd, 2025] —
Rishi Kumar, Candidate for Santa Clara County Assessor has announced a major step to exempt property tax payments. His proposed Prop 13 state constitutional amendment will provide a full property tax exemption for homeowners aged 60 and above. This has been formally submitted to the Office of Legislative Counsel.
“This initiative will protect the seniors who have spent their lives building and strengthening our communities,” said Rishi Kumar, candidate for Santa Clara County Assessor. “They deserve the peace of mind to stay in their homes without the crushing burden of rising property taxes. It’s time to eliminate the fear of losing their homes once and for all, so they can live out their years with stability, dignity, and security.”
The measure would apply only to primary residences and provide relief when at least one titleholder is aged 60 or older. Rishi Kumar added – “I believe Santa Clara County can cut as much as $4 billion in government bloat — savings that could directly improve people’s lives. That money should go toward better services for seniors, targeted healthcare, homelessness solutions, law enforcement support, and even increased funding for our schools.”
To learn more about the proposal and how to support this effort, visit RishiKumar.com/Seniors.
#### The Ballot Initiative Team Invites Interns
The Senior Property Tax Exemption Ballot Initiative is looking for volunteers to help make history — a movement to put money back into the pockets of people and seniors who need it most. Join Rishi Kumar’s grassroots team to protect seniors, cut waste, and keep Californians in their homes. Sign up today and be part of real change — your voice and effort matter! https://tinyurl.com/CABallotInitiative
#### About Rishi Kumar Rishi Kumar is a Silicon Valley technology executive, public servant, and reform advocate committed to making government work smarter for the people. A mechanical engineer by training, he has led major modernization and operations initiatives in the tech sector and brings that results-driven mindset to public service.
Rishi previously served two terms on the Saratoga City Council, where he championed fiscal responsibility, modernization, and community safety—earning the highest vote count in the city’s 70-year history. He has also been a strong advocate for taxpayers, successfully pushing back against repeated rate hikes from San Jose Water Company and PG&E.
Today, as a candidate for Santa Clara County Assessor, Rishi Kumar is focused on cutting waste, improving efficiency, protecting Proposition 13, and advancing reforms such as a property-tax exemption for Californians aged 60 and over—ensuring seniors can remain in their homes with dignity and financial security. He has pledged to automate the property declines and send money back into the pockets of people as the county assessor. Rishi Kumar’s strength lies in blending technology and public service to deliver real results.
A Silicon Valley executive and mechanical engineer, he understands how to use innovation — not bureaucracy — to solve problems. As a CFO and software industry leader, Rishi has applied automation, AI, and data-driven efficiency to streamline operations, cut waste, and improve outcomes. He plans to bring that same approach to the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office, replacing outdated systems with smart, automated solutions that deliver faster, more accurate assessments and return savings directly to taxpayers. His vision is clear: use technology to make government leaner, fairer, and focused on people — not politics.
## ## Not Robbing Peter to Pay Paul
Rishi Kumar’s Property Tax Exemption for Seniors is designed to be fiscally neutral — meaning it won’t reduce funding for schools, roads, and essential services. Instead of shifting the tax burden onto others, his plan focuses on cutting waste, modernizing government operations, and improving efficiency to offset the exemption’s cost.
Here’s how the plan balances the books:
1. Cut Waste and Inefficiency in County Spending Santa Clara County’s budget has grown significantly — now exceeding $13 billion annually — yet inefficiencies persist across departments. Independent reviews and internal audits have identified tens of millions in redundant administrative and programmatic costs. Kumar’s approach is to audit, consolidate, and digitize operations to reduce overhead, freeing funds to offset the property tax exemption. “We don’t have a revenue problem — we have a spending problem,” Kumar says. “Before we raise taxes, we must fix how we spend. Santa Clara County should shave off ”
2. Modernize Assessment Operations The Assessor’s Office still relies on decades-old systems that slow productivity and inflate costs. Kumar plans to deploy AI-driven automation, digitized workflows, and cloud-based valuation tools to improve accuracy and speed — cutting costs while increasing revenue integrity. These efficiencies could reduce operating costs and generate faster assessment cycles, indirectly recovering part of the exemption’s value through better compliance and reduced backlogs. At the Cupertino League of Women Voters Candidates Forum, Rishi declared that he would shave off $10 million from the $43 million Assessor’s office budget in the first 5 years as county Assessor.
3. Close the Tax Collection Gap Studies show that under-assessment errors and delays in property reappraisals cost counties millions annually. Kumar’s modernization plan ensures timely, accurate assessments for non-senior properties, preventing revenue leakage while protecting senior homeowners. His focus on data transparency and cross-department integration will help identify uncollected or misallocated tax revenues that currently go unnoticed.
4. Redirect Wasteful Projects and Bureaucratic Bloat Under Measure A and other tax proposals, millions were spent on bureaucratic overhead and promotional campaigns instead of direct services. Kumar proposes to reallocate discretionary and administrative budgets to cover senior exemptions, prioritizing impact-driven spending.
5. Partner with State and Federal Programs Kumar will advocate for matching funds and senior protection grants at the state level to assist counties implementing senior exemptions. These programs already exist for veterans and low-income homeowners — Kumar wants to expand them to seniors 60+ through a ballot initiative.
## PRESS CONTACT Contact: VoteRishiKumar<at>gmail.com Phone 408 805 5993

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…

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 homes are truly theirs.

(10/15/2025) The Ballot Initiative Process: Property Tax Exemption for Age Groups 60+

We are launching a statewide ballot initiative to amend Proposition 13 and the California Constitution to waive property taxes for homeowners aged 60 and older. Here’s how the process:

The Office of Legislative Counsel is reviewing the precise legal language for the constitutional amendment to ensure it provides lasting property-tax relief for 60+.

Upon approval, it will submitted to the California Attorney General’s Office so that they can prepare the official title and summary that will appear on the petitions and ballot.

Once the Attorney General issues the title and summary, we will begin collecting signatures from registered California voters. Once enough valid signatures are confirmed, the measure will qualify for the next statewide general election ballot i.e November 3, 2026

A simple majority state-wide vote on November 3, 2026 will approve the amendment and make senior property-tax exemption a permanent part of California law.

✅ 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.

🕒 Proposed / Currently in Process

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 Kumar's approach to exempt seniors (8/15/2025)

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 60+ 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. Yes — Virginia successfully pushed a constitutional amendment that grants a property tax exemption to certain veterans. Can we do the same for seniors in California? Why not?

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 helped, but we can do a lot more!

Eliminate Deficit-Driving Waste

Rishi Kumar: A Track Record of Getting Things Done

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 government.

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.
Rishi delivers results by applying the tech framework of getting things done. Discover his proven record of fighting—and winning—for the people.

An Electric Panel Upgrade will be Expensive––Stop the Natural Gas Ban by signing this petition

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.

Yes, Exemtion has already been done
The Case Study

Senior Property Tax Exemption in Washington State
Yes — Washington State offers property tax exemption programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
The exemption can reduce or eliminate certain levies for qualifying seniors.
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).
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:

Age / Disability Requirement
Be 61 years or older (or 57+ as surviving spouse) to qualify for the exemption.
For deferral, age 60+ or disabled.
Ownership & Occupancy
Own the home as of December 31 of the assessment year.
Use it as your principal residence.
Income / Disposable Income Limits
There is a cap on the income allowed (varies by year/county).
Application & Documentation
Submit an exemption application during a specified period.
Provide proof of age, income, ownership, occupancy.
Renewal / Review
The exemption is reviewed periodically; changes in income, ownership, or occupancy may require adjustment.

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.

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.

The Influence of the Assessor's Office

Property tax reductions under Proposition 8 should be automated by every Assessor’s Office when market values decline. During the 2008 housing crash, the Santa Clara County Assessor failed to apply these automatic reductions, leaving many homeowners overtaxed and forcing some into foreclosure. Proactive assessors in other counties have since shown that timely, automated reassessments can protect homeowners and prevent financial hardship.
Phong La (Alameda County): In 2023, proactively reduced property taxes for select homeowners whose property values had declined, earning positive media coverage for the initiative.
(Source: CBS News San Francisco — “Alameda County to reduce property taxes for select homeowners”)
Jeff Prang (Los Angeles County): Publicly testified at the SCA 4 hearing to advocate for reforms to Proposition 19, following issues he observed in its implementation.

These examples show that other county assessors exercised discretion and initiative to protect homeowners and ensure fair assessments during times of economic stress. See table below – how Assessors across the country are pushing policy to protect seniors.

Property Tax Reform is Sweeping the Country Yes, Assessors have the Authority!