A new Missouri bill signed into law this week significantly expands eligibility for the senior property tax freeze program, which rolled out earlier this year in counties across the state.
Under the new rules, all homeowners over the age of 62 are eligible to have their property taxes frozen at 2024 levels starting in 2025 — and their tax amount will automatically decrease if home values drop in the future.
The updated guidelines in Jackson County also remove the previous home value limit and the requirement for seniors to re-apply every year to remain enrolled in the tax freeze program.
“This new legislation simplifies the application process for our senior residents, making it easier for them to access available property tax relief assistance,” Jackson County Executive Frank White said in a Monday news release.
While Missouri recently ordered Jackson County to decrease property values following a contentious property assessment season last year, the changes to the senior tax freeze program apply to every county that has adopted it across the state.
Here’s everything to know about the changes to the property tax freeze program for seniors.
Who is eligible for the senior property tax freeze?
Any homeowner aged 62 and above who is responsible for paying property taxes on their home is now eligible for the tax freeze program at their primary residence, the new law states.
Homeowners do not have to be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits to apply, as some counties required before the new rules were passed. That means seniors with pension plans, like teachers and federal government employees, can now apply to the program.
Do I have to reapply every year to remain enrolled in the tax freeze program?
Eligible seniors in Jackson County only need to apply for the tax freeze program once to enroll. Under the former guidelines, participants needed to reapply every year to prove their eligibility — but that’s no longer the case.
If you meet the eligibility requirements in Jackson County this year, your property taxes will be frozen at the 2024 level starting in 2025. That means you’ll see the first change on your tax bill next year.
Other counties may implement their freezes differently, depending on when and whether they adopt the tax freeze program. Visit your county’s collection department website for more information about your local guidelines.
What happens if my home value increases or decreases?
If your home value increases while you are enrolled in the senior property tax freeze program, you will remain eligible for it in Jackson County regardless of the assessed value of your home.
While Jackson County’s old guidelines removed homes from the program if their values rose above $550,000, this home value cap has now been removed. However, other counties may implement their own requirements, including home value or income level caps.
If your home value decreases while you are enrolled in the senior property tax freeze program, state law now specifies that your tax amount will automatically decrease to correspond with the new, lower value. The wording is a little confusing, but stay with us:
“If in any tax year subsequent to the eligible taxpayer’s initial credit year the eligible taxpayer’s real property tax liability is lower than such liability in the initial credit year, such tax year shall be considered the eligible taxpayer’s initial credit year for all subsequent tax years,” the law states .
Translation: If the tax amount you have to pay decreases, your tax bill will drop and re-freeze at the new, lower amount. Even if your home value rises again in subsequent years, that new amount will remain.
Basically, your frozen tax amount can decrease, but can never increase.
How do I apply to Jackson County’s senior property tax freeze program?
Eligible Jackson County seniors can apply for the program online through the county’s assessment department website. They can also download and print the application or email SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org to request an application be sent to them.
Jackson County homeowners must provide three documents with their applications:
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 have filled out your application, simply submit it online through the web form, email it to SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org or return it to either collection department office location listed below. You can mail in your application, drop it off in person during business hours or leave it in the 24-hour drop box outside each building.
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 deadline to apply for the program each year is Dec. 31, and applications are reviewed as they are received. You will be notified by email or postal mail if you are accepted into the program.
If I already applied for the tax freeze program under the old rules, do I have to reapply?
If you applied to the senior property tax freeze program in Jackson County, you do not have 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 , the director of Jackson County’s collections department.
“I am proud to announce that our team is fully staffed and ready to administer the program efficiently.”
Do you have more questions about the changes to Missouri’s property tax system? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com .
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