For many California families, inheriting a home used to mean keeping property taxes low for generations. That’s no longer the case. Under Proposition 19, heirs who don’t meet strict requirements—or fail to file the right exemptions on time—are seeing shocking tax increases, sometimes exceeding $20,000 per year. These jumps aren’t random; they’re tied to how the law reshaped inheritance rules. If you or your family plan to pass down property, understanding these changes could save you from a costly surprise.
