Economics

OP-ED: Oakland Homeowners May Qualify for Property Tax Exemptions

Published

10 years ago

November 3, 2015

By Len Raphael

By now, every Oakland homeowner should have received their property tax bill. There are several items in small print to look at because they could save them from $95 to $410 each year.

The first is a county exemption.

Find the words “Homeowners Exemption” on the right side, middle of the bill, a few lines below the word LAND.

Next look to the right in the column “Full Valuation” to see if that space is blank or shows an amount. If it is blank, you were not given the homeowners exemption.

That often happens when people refinance or change title (such as setting up a living trust). The exemption would save you $95 each year.

This exemption is only for owner occupants.

Easiest way to find out why you are not getting the exemption is to call the county at (510) 272-3770 ASAP.

(If you received a scary letter from the City of Oakland, implying that you were not paying business tax to the city on rental income, it could have been because you don’t have a homeowner’s exemption.)

The second is an Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Parcel Tax Exemptions for seniors and for low-income owner-occupants.

There are two OUSD parcel taxes, Measure G and Measure N. You must re-apply every year by June 30.

The $195/year Measure G tax passed in 2008. Low-income owner-occupants of any age are entitled to a full exemption from that tax. The definition of low-income is the same used for Section 8 housing.

The $120/year Measure N tax was passed in 2014. There’s a full exemption for owner-occupants who are over 65 as of June 30 and a full exemption for low-income owner-occupants of any age.

OUSD has failed to publicize these two exemptions and imposes a rigid June 30 deadline.

Compare that to Alameda County, which sends a postcard each year reminding people to claim the homeowners exemption and provides an extended due date of Dec. 10.

If you can’t use at least a $120 tax refund, there’s nothing you have to do.

If you’re ok with losing the refund for the current year, call OUSD now and ask them to put you on the list to get the form for next year. Their phone number is (510) 879-8884. Good luck.

If you agree with me that OUSD failed to adequately publicize the exemptions and should provide an extended due date, I urge you to:

Contact OUSD board member by phone, email, or letter, asking them to:

Notify every homeowner each year with a postcard instead of just a website posting. Notify all Oakland tax preparers, place ads in newspapers, put up posters at senior centers and houses of worship.

Extend the filing deadline to at least Dec 10th 2015 the way the County does for its basic homeowners exemption.

To find a list of OUSD board members, call (510) 879-8199.. The information is online at http://mapgis.oaklandnet.com/ousd/

Len Raphael is an Oakland CPA, who also works on Oakland fiscal issues and improving police accountability.

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Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

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Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  