Library Special Tax - Exemption

ABOUT MEASURE L

Qualified Pasadena property owners may be eligible to reduce or eliminate their Library Special Tax. Review the categories below to see if you qualify and submit your application before the deadline.

Application Deadline: June 30

Exemption Categories

Apply Online - Category 1

LOW-INCOME PROPERTY
OWNER EXEMPTION

  • Property owner between ages 18 and 61
  • Total household income does not exceed the limits in the table below
  • Must be listed as owner on the County property tax bill

Apply Online - Category 2

SENIOR OR DISABILITY
EXEMPTION

  • Age 62 or older, or have a permanent disability
  • Currently enrolled in and receiving a discount through PWP CARES or CARES Plus
  • CARES / CARES Plus approval automatically qualifies you
Required: a copy of your Pasadena Water and Power bill showing CARES or CARES Plus participation.

Income Limits — Low-Income Exemption

Total household income must not exceed the following limits based on the number of people in the household.

Household SizeMaximum Household Income
1$58,300
2$66,650
3$74,950
4$83,300
5$89,950
6$96,600
7$103,250
8$111,440
Each Additional Person+$11,360

Documents You May Need

Required Documentation
  • Proof of property ownership (e.g., property tax bill or deed)
  • Proof of household income for all persons living in the household
  • Pasadena Water and Power bill showing CARES or CARES Plus enrollment (Senior / Disability exemption only)

Incomplete applications may delay processing or result in denial. Only the property owner listed on the County property tax bill may apply.

Apply In Person (By Appointment Only)

Residents who need assistance may apply in person by appointment at any of the following locations.

Jackie Robinson
Community Center

1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
626.744.7300

Villa Parke
Community Center

363 E. Villa St.
626.744.6530

Victory
Park

2575 Paloma St.
626.744.7500

Apply by Mail — Download Paper Application

Prefer to apply by mail? Download and print the appropriate form below, complete it, and mail it with your supporting documents to the address shown. Applications must be received by June 30.

Mail-In Form — Category 1

LOW-INCOME
EXEMPTION APPLICATION

For property owners ages 18–61 whose household income falls within the published limits. Print, sign, and mail the completed application with proof of ownership, income documentation, and any other required documents listed on the application.

MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO
NBS
c/o City of Pasadena Library Tax
32605 Temecula Parkway, Suite 316
Temecula, CA 92592

Email: applications@nbsgov.com

Mail-In Form — Category 2

SENIOR / DISABILITY
EXEMPTION APPLICATION

For property owners age 62 or older, or with a permanent disability, who are enrolled in PWP CARES or CARES Plus. Print, sign, and mail the completed application with your PWP bill, identification documents, and any other required documents listed on the application.

MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO
NBS
c/o City of Pasadena Library Tax
32605 Temecula Parkway, Suite 316
Temecula, CA 92592

Email: applications@nbsgov.com

How to submit by mail

  1. Download and print the correct form for your exemption category above.
  2. Complete all sections and sign where indicated.
  3. Gather required supporting documents (see "Documents You May Need" above).
  4. Mail the completed form and copies of all documents — do not send originals.
  5. Your application must be received by June 30 to be considered for the upcoming billing cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may qualify if you are a low-income property owner between the ages of 18 and 61 whose total household income does not exceed the published limits, or a property owner who is age 62 or older or permanently disabled and enrolled in the Pasadena Water and Power CARES or CARES Plus program.

The Library Special Tax is paid by property owners in the City of Pasadena. It appears on the County property tax bill.

Low-income applicants may be required to recertify annually. Applicants will be notified if renewal is required.

County property tax bills are typically mailed in October, with the first installment due November 1. Exemptions approved by the June 30 deadline will appear on that billing cycle.

Yes. If you are enrolled in CARES or CARES Plus, you automatically qualify for either the Senior or Disability exemption, depending on your eligibility. When applying, you must select which exemption you are requesting so it can be verified. Please submit a copy of your PWP bill showing the CARES or CARES Plus discount, along with your identification documents, including your ID, property tax bill, and any other required documents listed on the application.

Yes. Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or by email. The current mailing address and email are listed above in the "Apply by Mail" section. Only the property owner listed on the County property tax bill may apply.

No. Measure PL, the Library Bond Measure, does not include any exemptions. Exemptions apply only to the Library Special Tax (Measure L), not to the bond measure.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

June 30

For upcoming tax billing cycle

Apply Online Now

Submit your exemption application online, by mail, or in person by appointment.

  • Low-Income Exemption Application
  • Senior / Disability Exemption Application

Apply Online

Download Paper Form

Print and mail your application if you prefer not to apply online.

  • Low-Income Application (PDF)
  • Senior / Disability Application (PDF)

Download Paper Form (PDF)

Quick Facts

Who pays this tax?
Property owners in the City of Pasadena.

When do bills arrive?
October; first installment due November 2.

Annual renewal?
Low-income applicants may need to recertify each year.