JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—Conceding that there may be more than 100 different interpretations of a property tax freeze for seniors that became law in Missouri last year, House Speaker Dean Plocher expects the General Assembly to look at legislative fixes now that lawmakers are back in session.

What You Need To Know

  • Conceding that there may be more than 100 different interpretations of a property tax freeze for seniors that became law in Missouri last year, House Speaker Dean Plocher expects the General Assembly to look at legislative fixes now that lawmakers are back in session

  • Supporters of the legislation’s goals say it created headaches for local lawmakers because it didn’t define clearly enough who is eligible or establish which taxing authorities would be subject to the freeze
  • Governments in the St. Louis region passed their own local versions, but each had tweaks that weren’t specifically written into state statutes

  • A pair of constitutional amendments have also been introduced. One, proposed by State Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, if approved by voters, would not subject residents “I’ve been told 113 counties are looking at it 113 different ways and I would like continuity to apply for all of Missouri so we know what to expect in all of our counties,” House Speaker Dean Plocher told reporters last week

Last year, Gov. Mike Parson signed SB 190, which allowed counties to pass their own local legislation granting property tax credits to homeowners eligible for social security benefits who would then have their property taxes frozen at the current rate. It also allowed for a petition process to put the question up for a county-level public vote.

The state legislation was seen as a way to help seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes, who have been priced out of their homes amid rising property tax levels.

But even supporters of the legislation’s goals say it created headaches for local lawmakers because it didn’t define clearly enough who is eligible or establish which taxing authorities would be subject to the freeze.

Governments in the St. Louis region passed their own local versions, but each had tweaks that weren’t specifically written into state statutes.

In the city of St. Louis, it applies to homeowners 62 and older in homes worth $500,000 or less and wouldn’t impact public schools or the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District. It also disqualifies properties getting tax abatement or tax increment financing. 

In St. Louis County, homeowners 67 and older in homes with an assessed valuation under $550,000 are eligible.

In St. Charles County, taxpayers 62 and older can apply for a tax credit that would apply to all county taxing jurisdictions but wouldn’t shield them from increases tied to school or fire district bond issues. 

All of the county-level governments in Missouri who have passed the measure locally have done so knowing the issue was likely to get sent to court. 

Jefferson County lawmakers passed a resolution in September saying they supported the idea but wanted to wait for a state legislative fix. A move in December to establish an ordinance failed.

“It’s not an easy implementation no matter what it is,” said Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon, who said he was sure the matter would get discussed by state lawmakers, including his wife Elaine, a State Senator from DeSoto. But getting it fixed is another matter, he said.

“I’ve been told 113 counties are looking at it 113 different ways and I would like continuity to apply for all of Missouri so we know what to expect in all of our counties,” House Speaker Dean Plocher told reporters last week, without outlining what he thought that should look like.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, who sponsored last year’s legislation, and State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, have introduced bills this year that would define eligibility as someone 62 or older.

A pair of constitutional amendments have also been introduced. One, proposed by State Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, if approved by voters, would not subject residents 65 years or older with a taxable income of less than $45,000 to any property tax.

Another constitutional amendment proposed by State Sen. Barbara Washington, D-Kansas City, would exempt citizens 65 years or older from real and personal property taxes.

Eligible St. Charles County taxpayers can start applying with the County Collector’s office in March. In the city of St. Louis, applications will be available from the Assessor’s office no later than March 1 and are due by June 30. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page has said the county’s program could be hindered by budget cuts approved by the County Council although a county spokesperson told Spectrum News this week that officials are still trying to put that process together.