The California Property Tax Postponement Program allows eligible homeowners to postpone payment of taxes on a primary residence if the taxpayer meets certain criteria. The deadline to apply for the state program is Feb. 10.

The California State Controller’s staff manages this program for residents of California. It is targeted at assisting seniors with low income. There are several programs that seniors with lower incomes might be qualified for, each with its own parameters and requirements. The Stanislaus County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Property Tax Division can provide basic information and point taxpayers where to find more information.

Property tax exemptions (for County residents) are managed through the Stanislaus County Assessor’s Office. The exemption forms are located at: http://www.stancounty.com/assessor/Exemptions.shtm?id=exforms. Taxpayers should review the forms to see which, if any, apply to their situation. Taxpayers may contact the Assessor’s office at (209) 525-6461, with questions about any of these forms.

Property Tax Postponement is a State of California program managed through the State Controller’s office. This program pays the property tax owed while the senior owner still resides in it and collects from the proceeds when the property is eventually sold.

To be eligible for PTP, the homeowner must: Be at least age 62, or blind, or have a disability; own and occupy the home as your primary place of residence; have a total household income of $45,000 or less; have at least 40 percent equity in the property; and meet any other requirements.

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 a reverse mortgage.

Taxpayers can find additional program information online at https://sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html or by contacting the State Controller’s Office at (800) 952-5661.