Parcel tax advantage for seniors

From the Chronicle's Business Section today, "Depending on where they live in California, homeowners who are 65 or older can reduce their property tax bill -- in some upscale areas by more than $600 a year -- by applying for a senior exemption to certain school parcel taxes."

"The exemption is not always well publicized. To get it, seniors must fill out an application provided by the school district and include proof of age. To qualify, the home generally must be their primary residence. In some districts, they must renew the exemption each year."

"In San Francisco, seniors can apply for an exemption to a 20-year parcel tax approved in 1990 after the Loma Prieta earthquake to repair or upgrade schools. The tax is $32.20 per year for a single-family dwelling or condo and $16.10 per parcel for multi-unit residential buildings."