Missouri has recently passed a bill that extends the eligibility criteria for the senior property tax freeze program. This program was initially launched earlier this year in various counties throughout the state. The new legislation will allow more individuals to access the benefits of the program.
Starting in 2025, homeowners aged 62 and over are now eligible to have their property taxes frozen at 2024 levels. Moreover, their tax amount will automatically decrease if home values drop in the future, thanks to the new rules.
In Jackson County, the tax freeze program guidelines have been updated. The new guidelines eliminate the previous restriction on home value limits and the need for seniors to reapply each year to maintain their enrollment in the program.
In a news release on Monday, Jackson County Executive Frank White stated that the new legislation will simplify the application process for senior residents, thereby making it easier for them to avail of the available property tax relief assistance.
Every county in Missouri that has adopted the senior tax freeze program will be affected by the changes, despite Jackson County’s recent order to decrease property values after a heated property assessment season last year.
Discover all the latest updates to the property tax freeze program for seniors.
Who is eligible for the senior property tax freeze?
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According to the new law, individuals who are 62 years of age or older and are responsible for paying property taxes on their primary residence can now qualify for the tax freeze program.
Seniors with pension plans, such as teachers and federal government employees, can now apply to the program without having to meet the previous requirement of being eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. This change in rules has made it easier for homeowners to apply for the program.
Do I have to reapply every year to remain enrolled in the tax freeze program?
If you’re a senior citizen living in Jackson County, you only have to apply for the tax freeze program once to enroll. Previously, participants had to reapply every year to demonstrate their eligibility, but that requirement has been eliminated.
Starting in 2025, your property taxes will remain frozen at the 2024 level if you meet the eligibility requirements in Jackson County this year. This change will be reflected in your tax bill next year.
To learn about the tax freeze program in your county, it is recommended to visit your county’s collection department website. The implementation of freezes may vary depending on the county and when they adopt the program. It’s important to review your local guidelines to understand how the freeze is being implemented.
What happens if my home value increases or decreases?
In Jackson County, you can stay enrolled in the senior property tax freeze program, even if your home value increases during your enrollment. The assessed value of your home won’t affect your eligibility for the program.
Previously, Jackson County had set a maximum home value of $550,000 for homes to be eligible for the program. However, the recent update has removed this cap, meaning that there is no longer a limit on the value of homes that can participate in the program. It’s worth noting, though, that other counties may impose their own restrictions, such as income level or maximum home value requirements.
State law now mandates that if the value of your home decreases while you are enrolled in the senior property tax freeze program, your tax amount will automatically adjust to correspond with the new, lower value. Although the wording may be a bit perplexing, it’s important to understand this provision.
According to the law, if an eligible taxpayer’s real property tax liability in any tax year following their initial credit year is lower than the liability in the initial credit year, then that tax year will be considered the eligible taxpayer’s initial credit year for all subsequent tax years.
When your tax amount decreases, your tax bill will also decrease and freeze at the new lower amount. This means that even if your home value increases in the following years, the new amount will remain the same.
In simple terms, the amount of tax that has been frozen can be reduced, but it can never be increased.
How do I apply to Jackson County’s senior property tax freeze program?
Jackson County seniors who meet the eligibility criteria can conveniently apply for the program online via the assessment department website. Alternatively, they can choose to download and print the application or send an email to SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org to request for an application to be sent to them.
When submitting their applications, homeowners residing in Jackson County are required to furnish three documents.
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- Proof of Jackson County primary residence (like a utility bill or ID with your address on it)
- Proof that you are age 62 or older (like any government-issued ID or document with your date of birth on it)
- Proof that you are responsible for paying property taxes on your home (like the deed to the home or a trust or operation agreement)
Once you’ve completed your application, you can submit it online using the web form, email it to SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org, or drop it off at one of the collection department offices indicated below. You can submit your application by mail, in person during office hours, or in the 24-hour drop box located outside each facility.
Jackson County Courthouse:
415 E. 12th St. Suite #100
Kansas City, MO 64106
Historic Truman Courthouse:
112 W. Lexington Ave. Suite #114
Independence, MO 64050
The program reviews applications as they come in, with the annual deadline being December 31. We will notify you via email or snail mail if we accept you into the program.
If I already applied for the tax freeze program under the old rules, do I have to reapply?
If you previously applied to Jackson County’s senior property tax freeze program, you are not required to reapply.
“While state law has mandated changes to our program, residents who have already applied for the property tax credit do not need to re-apply,” said Scott Lakin, Jackson County’s collections director.
“I am proud to announce that our team is fully staffed and ready to administer the program efficiently.”