Are Taxes The Biggest Scam In America?




Ballot Initiative 25-0035, also known as the 60+ Property Tax Exemption Act of 2026, is a proposed constitutional amendment in California that would exempt eligible homeowners aged 60 or older from paying property taxes on their primary residence. Sponsored by Rishi Kumar, the measure is currently in the signature-gathering phase and must collect 874,641 valid signatures by August 4, 2026, to qualify for the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot.

To qualify for the exemption, the homeowner or their spouse must be at least 60 years old and have either occupied the home as a principal residence for five consecutive years or lived in California for at least 10 years. Homeowners must recertify their eligibility every five years, and the exemption does not apply to voter-approved special taxes, assessments, or bonds.

Supporters argue the measure is essential for preventing senior homelessness and allowing older residents to remain in their homes, describing it as the greatest property tax relief since Proposition 13. Conversely, the Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the measure would reduce local government and school revenues by $12 billion to $20 billion annually, with county officials warning that such a loss would severely impact public safety, infrastructure, and other essential services.
 
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The Local Taxpayer Protection Act (also known as "Save Prop 13") is a California constitutional amendment qualified for the November 2026 ballot that aims to make it harder for local governments to raise taxes. Backed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the measure seeks to close legal loopholes that proponents argue have undermined Proposition 13 protections.

Key Provisions The initiative proposes two primary changes to current law: it requires a two-thirds voter approval for all local special taxes, eliminating the simple majority path currently available for citizen initiatives, and it caps real estate transfer taxes at no more than 0.11% (or $1.10 per $1,000 of value), effectively repealing higher local rates such as Los Angeles's Measure ULA within two years.

Support and Opposition Supporters, including the California Business Roundtable, argue the act restores fiscal discipline and protects homeowners from skyrocketing costs by preventing "end-runs" around voter-approved safeguards. Conversely, state leaders and local officials warn the measure could reduce local government revenue by billions of dollars annually, potentially impacting funding for housing programs, public safety, and schools, leading to ongoing negotiations to potentially remove the measure from the ballot.
 
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