Property tax relief for seniors has arrived in Platte County.
At the Monday, March 18 commission administrative session, commissioners approved a tax credit program in accordance with Senate Bill 190, which was signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson last year.
Under the new law, sponsored by Parkville Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, Missouri seniors will no longer see tax increases on their primary residences. The legislation also exempts Social Security benefits from state income taxes. Missouri is one of only 11 states that currently tax Social Security benefits.
“I’m grateful for the Commission’s action implementing Senate Bill 190,” Luetkemeyer said. “One of the issues I’ve heard repeatedly from Platte County seniors is that out-of-control property taxes have risked them being taxed out of their homes. This common-sense measure will protect our seniors by freezing the taxes on their primary residence, ensuring they are never evicted from their homes by burdensome taxes.”
This act authorizes counties to grant a property tax credit to eligible taxpayers residing in such county, provided such county has adopted an ordinance authorizing such credit, or a petition in support of such credit is delivered to the governing body of the county and is subsequently submitted to and approved by the voters, as described in the act.
Eligible taxpayers are defined as residents who are 62 years or older, eligible for Social Security retirement benefits; are the owner of record of or have a legal or equitable interest in a homestead; and are liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead.
“With the approval of this action the 2024 assessed valuation becomes the base,” said County Administrator Wes Minder. “Since that assessment is established there’s really no urgency to apply,”
Applications for the tax credit will be available beginning Sept. 1 of this year and will be open through May 15, 2025. The applications will take some time to process through the various offices, including the assessor’s office.
Levies imposed to pay for public bonds are not affected by the new program, so if a taxing jurisdiction increases its debt levy there may be a tax increase.
Residents may apply online, or in person via a paper application at the administration center in Platte City. Questions may be emailed to SeniorTaxCredit@co.platte.mo.us. Citizens may also call the County Clerk’s Office at (816) 827-4075.
County Clerk Jera Pruitt will process applications for the new tax credit and has added staff to do so.
““The County Clerk’s Office will help deliver on the promise of tax relief to our seniors,” Pruitt said. “Platte County has prospered because of the investment this generation made in our community and it’s time to recognize their efforts.”
Several members of the public spoke at the meeting, all in favor of the tax credit program.
“Implementing a property tax freeze for older adults is a necessary measure for providing financial relief and stability for those living on fixed incomes,” said Tricia Friddell, executive director of Platte County Senior Services.
Commissioners also spoke before the unanimous vote.
“Each county has the option to implement a tax freeze for seniors,” said District Commissioner Joe Vanover. “I am happy to vote in favor of the measure to help our seniors. Commissioner Dagmar Wood showed a passion for getting this approved in Platte County immediately after it was approved in Jefferson City. I knew she could be trusted with leading Platte County’s effort to approve and implement Senate Bill 190.”
Presiding Commission Scott Fricker also thanked Wood for her assistance and leadership.
“This commission will continue to support additional property tax freezes and not just for seniors, but for different types and different groups, but I’m happy to start with this group,” Fricker said.
Wood spearheaded efforts to implement the program in Platte County and continues to advocate for an expansion of SB 190 – SB 756 – which would include additional groups of seniors including those who do not qualify for social security benefits.
“I am extremely pleased we’re able to bring real property tax relief to our senior citizens,” Wood said. “This will help our seniors stay in their homes and live with dignity and financial peace of mind without the worry of escalating property taxes.”
She thanked other staff and officeholders for their assistance in moving the program forward.
“Jeff City will continue to hear from me regarding property taxes,” Wood said.