Understanding Missouri’s Senior Property Tax Freeze: What You Need to Know
Missouri seniors have a new tool to help manage rising property taxes: the Senior Property Tax Freeze. This program, authorized by Senate Bill 190, allows eligible homeowners to lock in their property tax amount, protecting them from future increases. Here’s a complete guide to how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is the Senior Property Tax Freeze?
The Senior Property Tax Freeze is designed to stabilize housing costs for older adults living on fixed incomes. When a county adopts the program, qualifying seniors can “freeze” their property tax bill at the amount they paid in the year they became eligible. This means:
- No retroactive refunds: It doesn’t reduce past tax bills.
- Protection from future hikes: Your tax amount stays the same even if property values rise.
- Applies only to your primary residence: Second homes, rental properties, and commercial real estate are excluded.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is straightforward but varies slightly by county. Generally, you must:
- Be 62 years or older by January 1 of the application year.
- Own and occupy the home as your primary residence.
- Be liable for real estate taxes on the property.
- Have a legal or equitable interest in the home (if owned by a trust, documentation may be required).
Counties cannot impose income limits or other restrictions beyond what state law allows.
How Does It Work?
Once approved, your property tax bill is frozen at the amount from your base year—the year you first qualified. If you move, the freeze resets based on the taxes owed on your new home. Surviving spouses who meet the age requirement can continue the freeze.
Important exceptions:
- Taxes may still increase for new construction or major improvements.
- Some counties exclude certain levies (e.g., school bonds or special assessments).
How to Apply
The application process is handled at the county level:
Clay County: Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief
Jackson County: Jackson County - Senior Property Tax Credit Program
Platte County: Platte County Senior Citizens' Real Property Tax Credit
Be prepared to provide documentation, submit by the county's deadline, and remember to renew annually if the process is not automatic in your county.
Why It Matters
Property taxes in Missouri are reassessed every two years, and recent spikes have strained seniors’ budgets. Freezing taxes helps older adults stay in their homes and communities without fear of escalating costs. While the program doesn’t reduce current bills, it offers long-term stability for those on fixed incomes.
If you have questions, reach out to Alex and Ashley at Next Bloom Wealth for a consultation.