Parcel Tax
Maintain Outstanding Education in Palo Alto schools
Palo Alto Unified School District provides a world class education to local students and local schools consistently rank among the best in the State and the nation. Exceptional teachers, innovative programs, dedicated parents and the support our schools receive from our community all contribute to high levels of student achievement.
Since 2001, Palo Alto schools have benefited from a voter-approved parcel tax that now provides over $15 million per year in locally controlled funding that cannot be taken by the state. For 19 years stable and predictable parcel tax funding, has protected local schools from dramatic fluctuations in education funding from the state and other sources.
Exemptions
Pursuant to California Code Section 50079 (b)(1), any owner of a parcel used solely for owner-occupied, single-family residential purposes and who are either (a) 65 years of age or older on or on or before June 30 of the fiscal year immediately preceding the year in which the tax would apply, or (b) persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a disability, regardless of age, or (c) receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, regardless of age, may obtain an exemption from the parcel tax by submitting an application therefore, by June 30 of any year, to the District.
Senior citizens or recipients of SSI/SSDI who missed the exemption deadline and have paid their property taxes in full for the current fiscal year may apply for a refund.
Senior citizens or recipients of SSI/SSDI already exempt from the District's parcel taxes does not need to reapply for an exemption every year.
To file for a new exemption from the parcel tax for the next fiscal year:
- Submit your Request HERE or;
- In person at our Business Services office and bring:
- For 65 or over:
- Proof of birth (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate).
- Proof of residence (driver's license, utility bill, or property tax bill).
- For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance:
- SSI/SSDI Benefits Verification Letter.
- Proof of residence (driver's license, utility bill, or original property tax bill).
- For 65 or over:
Palo Alto Unified School District - Business Services
25 Churchill Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Hours: 9 am - 12 pm Monday-Friday
- Complete your exemption application for next year by June 30 of the current year.
To apply for a refund for the current fiscal year:
- Pay your tax bill in full (1st and 2nd Installment).
- Apply HERE and upload:
- Proof of payment (canceled checks, bank statements, County confirmation, or receipts).
- Proof of birth (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate) or SSI/SSDI verification letter.
- Your tax bill.
Note: No refunds will be made for the current fiscal year after June 30 of the current fiscal year.
If you have questions, email Beti Loomis or call (650) 329-3980.
FAQ's
- How do I know if I am eligible for the Parcel Tax?
- Do I have to apply for an exemption year to year?
- Do I have to live on the property to be eligible? or am I eligible for my investment rental properties as well?
- If my spouse or domestic partner and I own the property and are both 65 or over, do we both need to apply?
- If I transfer ownership to my children, do I still get the exemption?
- I applied for the Property Tax Exemption but do not see it on my Property Tax bill. How do I know I am receiving it?
