Authorizing Senior Citizen Homestead Property Tax Credit

The Buchanan County Commission voted unanimously to authorize the Senior Citizen Homestead Property Tax Credit pursuant to a recently enacted state law (RSMo. Section 137.1050). Senior citizens who apply and are deemed eligible will see the amount owed for most of the taxes on their primary residence “freeze” at the 2024 amount. For citizens who do not yet qualify, the amount owed will freeze in whatever year they do become eligible and apply.

The language of the State law is clear that the County can only apply the credit to future increases in real property taxes. It will not reduce the current real property tax amount owed by senior citizens or give a refund of taxes previously paid.

While the State law allows counties to offer the credit, it leaves most details and the application process up to each county. Commissioners Scott Nelson, Ron Hook, and Scott Burnham met regularly to discuss the credit. The Commission sought input from all taxing entities in the County including cities, villages, schools, libraries, and fire departments, to determine the effects of this credit on their revenue. Along with other officeholders including Assessor Dean Wilson, Collector Peggy Campbell, Recorder of Deeds Becky Dunlap, and Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey, the Commission crafted the County ordinance and is continuing to create the application process.

Eligibility requirements include being a resident of Buchanan County, being responsible for the taxes on your primary residence, and being 62 years of age or older. Applications will be available at the County Courthouse starting March 1st, 2025, and will be accepted until June 30th, 2025. No action is needed by taxpayers prior to March 1st.

Updates on the application process and further information can be found on the County’s website.

The full text of RSMo. Section 137.1050 can be found here: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=137.1050

The full text of the County ordinance authorizing the credit can be found here: https://www.co.buchanan.mo.us/collectors-office