When will Jackson County seniors benefit from a property tax freeze? Here’s what to know
A sharp increase in Jackson County’s home values this year is raising tax bills for many homeowners — something residents and real estate agents say is causing financial stress for those on fixed incomes.
Both Missouri and Jackson County have adopted a plan to freeze tax bills for seniors who receive Social Security, leaving some wondering whether this year’s bills will be lowered before the Dec. 31 deadline.
According to the county, the new program won’t be implemented until 2024— leaving homeowners on the hook for the full amount they owe this year, regardless of their age.
Here’s a closer look at the property tax “freeze” and other programs available to homeowners in Jackson County.
New law will offer homeowners a refund— starting next year
Missouri legislators passed a bill in July authorizing counties to refund homeowners who receive Social Security for part of their property taxes. Any amount the county charges above what homeowners paid when they became eligible for Social Security would be reimbursed.
This law effectively prevents homeowners’ property tax bills from rising once they begin receiving Social Security benefits, usually between ages 62 and 67. Jackson County approved the law at the county level — but it doesn’t go into effect until 2024.
“We are currently in the process of evaluating and creating the processes required to implement this program,” the county’s collection office website reads. “More information will be provided when it is available.”
That means, for now, seniors owe the county the full amount of this year’s tax bill by Dec. 31.
When contacted by The Star, county spokesperson Marshanna Smith did not provide further details about next year’s program.
What other state programs are available?
The state of Missouri offers a limited amount of financial relief to seniors and disabled people in the form of property tax credits. Homeowners are still required to pay their property tax bill in full, but may apply for these credits during the following tax season to recuperate some of this cost.
Homeowners over the age of 65 with a total household income below $30,000 for single people or below $34,000 for married couples are eligible. The maximum credit homeowners can receive is $1,100.
Renters over the age of 65 can also apply for property tax credits through this program if their total household income is below $27,200 for single people or below $29,200 for married couples. The maximum credit renters can receive is $750.
For both homeowners and renters, only one person in a married couple needs to be 65 or older for the household to qualify. Disabled people, disabled veterans and widowed people over the age of 60 receiving social security benefits are also eligible.
If you file a state income tax return to Missouri (Form MO-1040), fill out the MO-PTS form during tax season and attach it to your return to apply for this tax credit.
If you don’t file a state income tax return, apply for this tax credit using Form MO-PTC during tax season instead.
What other county programs are available?
In Jackson County, seniors age 62 or older may qualify for the Senior Quad Pay Program. While this program does not reduce the amount owed on property tax bills, it allows homeowners to space their payments out into four equal installments over the following year.
In order to qualify, you must both own and live in your home, have no outstanding property tax bills and your home must be zoned as 100% residential property. You can fill out an online application by downloading the form from the county’s collections department website, or print the form and fill it out by hand.
In order to apply for the quad pay program, you will need the following items:
Your property number, which can be found on your tax bill or through the county’s online property account portal
A copy of a current ID
A copy of a current utility bill
Once you have gathered these materials and completed the application form, you can send it via email to SeniorApplication@Jacksongov.org or mail it to the following address:
Collections Department
415 E. 12th Street, Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64106
Do you have more questions about property taxes in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
