Seniors have plenty of questions about Missouri’s new property tax freeze program — and local officials have answers.
Lawmakers recently updated the program with new eligibility requirements, opening it to all homeowners aged 62 and above who are responsible for paying property taxes on their primary residence.
But despite its name, this program won’t entirely freeze taxes for those enrolled.
Here are the answers to a handful of questions about the tax freeze program’s implementation. Keep the questions coming by emailing kcq@kcstar.com.
Why is the senior tax freeze being administered at the county level instead of being enacted statewide?
Counties are the entities that assess property values and collect taxes on them. While the senior tax freeze program was created through a state law, the state does not have the authority to collect property taxes or decide how counties complete this function.
According to the state law, counties can either implement this program through a county ordinance or through a signature petition followed by a countywide vote.
So far, most of the counties choosing to implement the program have done so using an ordinance.
Where else is the property tax freeze being implemented in Missouri?
There is currently no statewide list of how each of Missouri’s 114 counties are acting on the senior property tax freeze program. However, here’s the status of the program in the handful of counties readers specifically asked about:
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Jackson County: Applications are being accepted now, with a deadline of Dec. 31, 2024 to get taxes frozen at the 2024 rate in 2025. No yearly renewals will be required.
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Clay County: Applications for the program will open on Jan. 1, 2025 and close on March 31, 2025. The program will require enrolled taxpayers to submit a yearly notarized affidavit every year to confirm that they are still eligible.
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Platte County: Applications for the program will open on Sept. 1, 2024 and close on May 15, 2025.
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Macon County: Macon County has not officially enacted the program yet — the decision is now in the hands of its county commission.
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Barton County: Barton County has not officially enacted the program yet, but its county commissioners are discussing doing so.
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Cole County: After a county commission motion failed to put the issue on November’s ballot Tuesday, no action will likely be taken towards implementing the program until at least next year. Commissioners have not made steps towards enacting the program through an ordinance, so a group of residents is collecting signatures to spur a referendum vote in the spring.
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St. Louis County: St. Louis County commissioners have voted to implement the tax freeze program, but have not yet opened applications. The deadline to apply will be June 30, 2025.
Can I still apply for the senior property tax freeze if I rent out part of my home?
Yes. If your home is your primary residence and you are responsible for paying the property taxes on it, you can apply for the tax freeze program once you turn 62.
However, if you own and rent out a property that you do not live in, the tax freeze program will not apply to this home because it is not your primary residence.
Does the tax freeze program apply to disabled people under age 62?
No, the tax freeze program does not apply to disabled people under age 62, even if they receive Social Security disability benefits. The law creating the program specifies that eligible taxpayers must be aged 62 or older in order to qualify.
However, Missouri does have a property tax credit program for seniors and 100% disabled individuals that provides a refund of up to $750 for renters or $1,100 for homeowners to help offset the cost of living. You can learn more about the program on the state department of revenue’s website.
Do you have more questions about the senior property tax freeze program? Contact the author of this piece directly at nwallington@kcstar.com.
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