Reform California Backs SCA-4 Proposal to Repeal the CA Death Tax

The California Death Tax, as it has become known, could be facing its own demise under a new bill in the California State Legislature, SCA-4.

The “Death Tax,” or Proposition 19, was passed by California voters in 2020 and repealed Prop 13 tax protections affecting inherited property. Now if property is inherited in California, in most cases it is reassessed at market value, causing property tax bills to skyrocket for the new property owners. 

This financial burden imposed on relatives — simply as a result of a parent’s death — is the reason for the nickname “Death Tax.”

SCA-4, introduced by Senator Kelly Seyarto and Assemblyman Phillip Chen, would effectively repeal Prop 19 and restore the right of children to inherit their parent’s’ property without triggering a new property tax assessment.

Carl DeMaio, chairman of the tax-fighting organization Reform California, says that SCA-4 is a step in the right direction for saving Californians’ wallets and giving families peace of mind with what they will to their next of kin.

“Our hardworking families shouldn’t have to worry that what they worked so hard to build up for their family will become more of a burden to them than a blessing when they pass away,” said DeMaio.

“SCA-4 will fix what Prop 19 caused and save people from losing their properties due to skyrocketing tax bills,” he continued.

While some opponents argue that SCA-4 is seeking to overturn an election and the will of voters, DeMaio counters that narrative by saying that politicians deceived voters with Prop 19’s ballot language.

“Prop 19 was a deceptive tax increase that politicians snuck past voters, and it never would have passed if voters knew what they were voting on,” DeMaio explained.

The ballot title for Prop 19? “Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment.”

“Politicians buried the truth about Prop 19 behind the argument that it would vaguely help ‘wildfire prevention,’” explained DeMaio. “They lied to voters to get it to pass — they’re liars, cheats, and thieves.”

But how can politicians set such biased ballot titles? DeMaio points to a previous study by Reform California, which shows that it is unfortunately allowed under California law.

DeMaio and Reform California firmly support SCA-4, and they urge individuals to join the campaign today to pass SCA-4 and defeat the Death Tax. Get involved by contributing to the fight to stop the Death Tax and other tax hikes in California.