Missouri Residential Property Tax Freeze

Missouri counties, including Jackson, Platte, and Clay, have launched a Senior Property Tax Credit Program as a response to the passing of Missouri Senate Bill 190 (SB190) in 2023. This initiative aims to provide significant tax relief to senior citizens within the county, targeting those who are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. The program's design essentially freezes property taxes on the primary residences of eligible seniors, offering them a more stable and predictable financial future.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Senior Property Tax Credit Program, applicants must live in the program’s county and be of Social Security retirement age. It's important to note that eligibility does not require the applicant to be currently receiving Social Security benefits, only that they are of the age to do so. The primary focus of this program is to assist seniors in managing their financial obligations more efficiently, particularly in relation to their housing costs. Applicants must be the property owner or have a legal or equitable interest in the home. They must also be liable for the payment of real property taxes on the home.

Another important requirement to note is the market value of the property must be less than $550,000.

Application Process

Interested seniors must apply to take advantage of this tax credit. For Jackson County residents, the initial application deadline for the year is December 31, 2024, providing ample time for eligible seniors to submit their applications. This deadline is crucial for those looking to benefit from the program for the current tax year. Platte County residents can apply between September 1, 2024 and May 15, 2025. Clay County has not yet released application dates.  

How and Where to Apply

For those living in Jackson County: Interested applicants may click here to begin the application process online. The paper application can be found by clicking here, or in person at a Collection Department location (Jackson County Courthouse: 415 E 12^th St, Suite #100, Kansas City, MO 64106 OR Historic Truman Courthouse: 112 W. Lexington Ave, Suite #114, Independence, MO 64050).

Upon completion of the paper form, the application and supporting documents may be emailed to SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org. Applicants may submit by mail, submit in person, or place in exterior drop boxes at either location above, unless the application was completed online.  Applicants will be notified of approval by email or by mail.

For more detailed information on the program in Jackson County, including any required documentation and the complete application process, interested individuals should refer to Jackson County's official website or contact their tax collection department directly. The county's dedication to aiding its senior residents is evident through this program, providing a valuable resource to help manage the financial implications of property taxes.

For those living in Platte County: Applications will open on September 1, 2024, and remain open until May 15, 2025. If accepted, eligible seniors will see their property taxes frozen at the 2024 amount.

Printable applications will be made available on the County’s website in September at www.co.platte.mo.us with hard copies also available at the County Clerk’s office. Questions may be emailed to SeniorTaxCredit@co.platte.mo.us. Citizens may also call the Clerk’s Office at 816-827-4075.

For those living in Clay County: Clay County’s ordinance will take effect January 1, 2025. The County intends to make forms available both online and in-person, with details about how to obtain your form becoming available in the months ahead. Clay County residents are encouraged to frequently visit www.claycountymo.gov for updates.

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