Missouri Lawmakers Provide Clarity on Senior Property Tax Freeze

Missouri lawmakers have provided much-needed clarity to counties regarding the senior property tax freeze law passed in 2023. The law initially allowed counties to freeze property tax rates for Missourians eligible for Social Security, but confusion arose over who exactly qualified for the freeze.

Counties were unsure if the freeze applied to those 62 and older or if other groups, such as retired teachers or railroad workers on pensions, were eligible. This uncertainty led to only larger counties like Jackson, Platte, and Clay passing the freeze, while smaller counties took a wait-and-see approach.

In response to these concerns, a bill sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer clarified that the freeze applies to Missourians 62 and older. The bill also addressed issues such as property tax assessments and eligibility for the freeze, ensuring that homeowners who are behind on payments or make improvements to their homes are not unfairly benefiting from the freeze.

Additionally, the bill allows counties to tailor their property tax freezes without needing voter approval, giving them full control over the implementation of the program. This clarification provides much-needed guidance to counties and ensures that the senior property tax freeze benefits those who truly need it.

As the bill awaits Governor Mike Parson’s signature, Missouri seniors can look forward to a more streamlined and fair process for accessing property tax relief.