Hey there, let’s talk taxes. Specifically, the ones that come along with owning a  piece of the California dream. You know, that feeling of having your own slice of  the Golden State. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, remember this:  understanding the tax game is a must for every homeowner.  

First up, we’ve got property taxes. Property taxes are the lifeblood of local  governments, funding stuff like schools and keeping our neighborhood safe. In  California there’s this thing called Proposition 13, which puts a cap on how much  property taxes can go up each year – a max of 2%. Sounds pretty stable, right?  But here’s the kicker: if the ownership of a property changes hands, you might  face a reassessment that could hike up your taxes. 

Now let’s talk about something that could put a smile on your face – the  homeowners exemption. It’s like a little gift from California that reduces the  assessed value of your main residence. And yeah, you’d want that because it  means lower property tax bills. Just make sure you apply for it with your county  assessor’s office. 

Fast-forward to 2020, and we’ve got Proposition 19 stepping onto the scene. This  game-changer lets folks over 55, those with disabilities, or wildfire victims switch  the property tax base to a new pad anywhere in the state. But there’s a trade-off– transferring property to your children could come with a reassessment, unless it’s  under certain circumstances. 

Let’s talk money savings now. If you are carrying a mortgage, the mortgage  interest deduction is your ticket to lower taxes. Basically you can deduct the  interest that you pay on loans up to $750,000 – and trust me, that could seriously  add up, especially if your mortgage is on the heftier side. 

But wait, there’s more. If you are a fan of the federal state and local tax (SALT)  deduction, you’ll want to pay attention. Recent changes capped this deduction at  10,000 bucks, affecting states like California, where taxes tend to be higher. 

Selling your place? Say hello to the capital gains tax. It’s like a fee you pay on  the profit you make from the sale. But here’s the silver lining – if it’s your main  residence and you’ve been there for a good chunk of the last five years, you can  exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for couples) from this tax. 

Now, if you’re into accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like those nifty backyard  cottages – here’s the scoop: building one not only helps with housing shortages,  but it could also score you some sweet tax benefits, like deducting mortgage,  interest and property taxes.

But there’s also a bright green twist to the tax situation. California is all about  energy efficiency, so if you are into solar panels and other eco-friendly upgrades,  you could snag some cool incentives. It’s like saving the planet while saving  some cash. 

Lastly, with wildfires on the rise, California’s got your back. They’ve introduced a plan that lets homeowners affected by wildfires defer their property taxes. It’s a  small relief during tough times. 

So, there you have it – a crash course in the California tax maze for  homeowners. Remember, being in the know and getting some extra advice is key. Whether it’s seeking out a financial guru, teaming up with a legal pro, or  chatting with a savvy real estate whiz, you’ll be armed with the info you need to  make the most of your California home sweet home