Property Tax Relief
The State of Missouri offers two property tax relief programs for seniors and certain others who qualify. Eligible taxpayers may only apply for one of the programs.
These programs are not administered by the Cole County Assessor's office; they are administered by the State of Missouri.
Missouri Property Tax Credit Program
State of Missouri Tax Assistance Center
3400-B Knipp Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 751-3505
Detailed information is available from the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can also contact your CPA or tax professional to make sure of whether or not you qualify for this program. The Assessor's office is sometimes required to help with the paperwork required on large acreage parcels.
To qualify for the program (refund of up to $750) you must:
- Be age 65 or older
- Be an individual under age 65 who is 100% disabled
- Be a U.S. Veteran who became 100% disabled as a result of such service
AND your TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME, including social security benefits, may not exceed $25,000 for a single individual, or $27,000 for married couples, AND you paid real estate taxes OR RENT on the home you occupy.
Filing early (before April) ensures a quicker refund.
Contact the Tax Assistance Center at (573) 751-3505 for information and forms.
More information is available from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Homestead Preservation Credit Program
This program offers seniors and certain others a credit on property tax on their homes if their taxes increase more than 5% in a reassessment year or 2.5% in a non-reassessment year. It does not affect the assessed value of your property.
To qualify for the program you must:
- Be age 65 or older
- Be an individual under age 65 who is 100% disabled
AND have Federal Adjusted Gross Income not exceeding $70,000 AND own the home you occupy.
You are ineligible for the credit If you made construction improvements totaling 5% or more of your home's value during the year.
You must apply for this credit between April 1st and September 30th.
The Missouri Department of Revenue administers this program, which is subject to funding by the Missouri General Assembly. You can find out more about the program from the Missouri Department of Revenue.