How seniors in Kansas City’s Northland can take next steps to freeze property taxes

Applications for Missouri’s senior property tax freeze program have opened in Platte County, and informational meetings are underway in Clay County to answer seniors’ questions about the program.

While the property tax freeze program was created through legislation at the state level, it is administered on a county-by-county basis.

Under state law, all seniors aged 62 and older are eligible for the program as long as they are responsible for paying property taxes on their home and that home is their primary residence. However, the exact implementation of the program varies by county .

In Jackson County, applications are already open and close Dec. 31, 2024. Application instructions can be found on the Jackson County Collections Department’s website .

In Platte County, applications opened Tuesday, Sept. 3, and will close May 15, 2025. You can print an application from the county’s website or get a hard copy of the application at the county clerk’s office. Email SeniorTaxCredit@co.platte.mo.us or call 816-827-4075 with any questions.

In Clay County, applications will open Jan. 1, 2025, and close March 31, 2025. However, 11 informational meetings in fall 2024 will provide seniors with an opportunity to ask questions and, later in the year, get help filling out application forms. No registration is required to attend these meetings.

Here’s where and when to get your questions answered in Clay County this fall:

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m.

Northland Neighborhoods Inc.

5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway, Kansas City

Friday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.

Liberty Fall Festival

1 Courthouse Square, Liberty

Saturday, Sept. 28, 4 p.m.

Liberty Fall Festival

1 Courthouse Square, Liberty

Monday, Oct. 7, noon

Kearney Senior Center

600 N. Jefferson St., Kearney

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m.

Northland Shepherd Center

5601 N. Antioch Road, Gladstone

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.

Smithville Senior Center

113 W. Main St., Smithville

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.

Clay County Annex

1901 NE 48th St., Kansas City

Tuesday, Nov. 12, noon

Liberty Community Center

1600 S. Withers Road, Liberty

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m.

Northland Shepherd Center

5601 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone

Monday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m.

Clay County Annex

1901 NE 48th St., Kansas City

Monday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Clay County Annex

1901 NE 48th St., Kansas City

Do you have more questions about Missouri’s property tax freeze program for seniors? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com .