What is Involved Transferring CA Property Taxes from a Parent to an Heir?

Thad Farrell - Proposition 19 Property Tax Specialist

Thad Farrell – Proposition 19 Property Tax Specialist

Mr. Thaddeus Farrell is an Account Manager at Commercial Loan Corporation at Newport Beach, California.  He arrives from a long, successful  career in  mortgage sales, and is considered a rising star in Trust & Estate Lending.  We were fortunate to have Mr. Farrell agree to share his views on property tax relief, Proposition 19, and irrevocable trust loans for new homeowners and beneficiaries in California…
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Property Tax News:  As an account manager with Commercial Loan Corp who do you generally communicate with, on a daily basis?

Thaddeus Farrell:  I usually talk to attorneys, licensed fiduciaries, trust or estate administrators, Conservators, trustees, beneficiaries and executors.  Mostly attorneys however, regarding their clients’ need for lower property taxes. Frequently, I follow up with attorneys… getting them on the same page.  Part of my job is to help them help their clients.  In terms of driving interest from lawyers or CPAs I may be talking to.  It’s case by case, and timing, as to what an existing client is in need of at this or that very moment.

Property Tax News:  In your opinion sir – what is the most  important  way Proposition 19 helps families inheriting property in California?

Thaddeus Farrell:  Overall, to assist families with their property taxes, transferring property taxes through Proposition 19 as well as helping with buying out co-beneficiaries’ inherited property shares.

Property Tax News:  What is it precisely that these California families are trying to accomplish?

Thaddeus Farrell:  Simply put, to transfer their parents’ low property tax base.  Look at it this way – property reassessment can cripple a family financially.  I look at it like this – expenses are a part of life, and when you inherit a family home, if the property is reassessed at current rates, those expenses will usually go sky high.  Most middle class people can’t afford to pay that type of tax hike.  They want to take advantage of Proposition 19 and a trust loan, transferring CA Property Taxes from a Parent to an Heir tax break, to avoid property tax reassessment, and move into an inherited home within a year as a principle residence, which was their parents’ principle residence formerly protected by Proposition 58 and Prop 13. 

Property Tax News:  How does Commercial Loan Corp fit in, put very simply?

Thaddeus Farrell:  We guide beneficiaries  through a process that will maintain their parents’ low property tax base.  Usually siblings that want to retain inherited property from parents  come  to us first, generally after being referred to us by a law firm.  Middle class families that can’t  afford to pay reassessed taxes on an inherited home… Which pretty much sums up most families these days!

Property Tax News:  What do you discuss with these attorneys that you speak to  about Proposition 19 and a trust loan saving their clients money on property taxes?

Thaddeus Farrell:  I make it very clear right away with attorneys that siblings inheriting a home have two options.  They can sell or keep their inherited property.  In other words, your family has to make up their mind – what they want to do, sell or keep. Selling it is far more expensive. By keeping the home, each beneficiary receives approximately $15,000 extra in a cash trust distribution when compared to selling the home because they avoid costly realtor and real estate sale expenses. The child beneficiary keeping the inherited home winds up saving on average $6,200 in yearly property taxes.  

Property Tax News: Is it really true that residents save that much?

Thaddeus Farrell:  Absolutely!  A realtor typically charges 6%, there can be costs to prepare the home for sale and closing costs such as title, escrow or assistance with buyer closing costs on top of that… So do the math there, for starters. If the property is reassessed – the cost can be very high.   

Property Tax News:  And we understand you treat everyone the same, regardless of their property’s value, or their net worth.

Thaddeus Farrell: That is correct.  We extend the same commitment to everyone.  I for one treat each customer like I would treat my brother or my sister.  We have never had one unhappy customer in the last three hundred  transactions I’m aware of. Five star reviews, five-star Google ratings, no complaints!  

Property Tax News:  Thaddeus, if someone needs assistance with California Proposition 19, a bridge loan to make an equal distribution to an estate or a trust loan to an irrevocable trust, how can they contact you?

Thaddeus Farrell:  They can contact us at (877) 756-4454; we are always happy to help.

Property Tax News:  Great.  Well, thanks for talking with us today.

Thaddeus Farrell:  My pleasure.  Glad to do it. 

If you have questions regarding your options upon inheriting a home from parents – transferring their low property tax base to your new principle residence –  Commercial Loan Corp at (877) 756-4454 to speak with a Trust Fund Loan Manager or Property Tax Savings specialist.