Excelsior Springs Seniors Learn About Real Estate Property Tax Relief at Community Meeting

Program Overview and Goals

Under the program, eligible homeowners aged 62 and older will have their real estate taxes frozen at their base year, set as 2024 for those applying in 2025. To maintain eligibility, participants must reapply annually by submitting an affidavit verifying that their residency and tax responsibilities remain unchanged.

“This program is designed to help seniors age in place by ensuring that property tax increases don’t force them out of their homes,” Jacobs explained. “We’ve developed tools to make the application process as simple and accessible as possible.”

The tax relief applies only to specific portions of the property tax bill. For instance, constitutionally mandated taxes, such as those supporting the blind pension fund, are not included in the freeze.

Details of the Program

• Eligibility: Applicants must be 62 or older, claim their property as their primary residence, and pay real estate taxes on it. Residents with multiple properties may only claim one home under the program.
• Base Year: For those applying in 2025, the base year will be 2024. The program does not apply retroactively.
• Application Period: January 1 through March 31 each year.
• Required Documentation: A valid photo ID, proof of paid property taxes, and documentation showing legal interest in the property (if the applicant is not listed as the owner on the tax receipt).

Once enrolled, participants’ property taxes will remain fixed at their base year level, though new voter-approved taxes or significant improvements to the property may increase the base amount.

Challenges and Impact on Tax Base

Jacobs and Commissioner Joanne Lawson addressed potential concerns about the program’s broader implications. While it provides relief for seniors, it potentially shifts more of the tax burden to other taxpayers. 

“I was just talking to the assessor, and somewhere between 2,000 to 3,000 new homes are built in Clay County each year. The majority of those people coming in aren’t those 62 and over buying brand-new $500,000-plus houses. They’re young people, just starting out with little kids in school. So, while we stay static and, unfortunately, start dropping off, these people are coming in and kind of revitalizing that tax base,” said Commissioner Lawson. “Those schools are not going to suffer because there’s always an influx of new students coming in. That’s why we keep having to build new schools, but also, it’s those young parents who are paying the taxes. So, what little drops off from us oldies is being made up many times over by the young people. Never fear—if we were really going to hurt the schools, there would have been some consideration given at Governor Parson’s level because I’m sure he would have gotten heat from every teacher’s union and everything else out there. So, it all evens out, and even more so, they’re not going to lose a dime.”

Implementation and Support

The county is taking steps to ensure the program’s smooth implementation, including outreach efforts to educate residents and help them apply. Informational sessions, like the one held in Excelsior Springs, are planned across the county. Libraries, senior centers, and community organizations are being engaged to assist seniors who may not be comfortable applying online.

“We understand that not everyone is tech-savvy,” Jacobs said. “We’ll offer in-person support, paper applications, and even on-site assistance at key locations.”

Jacobs also highlighted the logistical challenges of rolling out the program, noting that Clay County anticipates up to 30,000 applications in the first year. “It’s a complex process, especially since each participant’s tax base year is unique, but we’re committed to making this program work,” she said during her presentation.