For senior residents of Clay and Ray Counties, relief is on the way in the form of real estate property tax programs aimed at helping older adults manage their tax burdens. These initiatives, set to begin in 2025, provide unique opportunities for eligible homeowners to stabilize or reduce their tax obligations. Here’s what you need to know about each county’s program.
Clay County Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief
Clay County’s program, established by ordinance 2023-ORD-42, will allow eligible residents to apply starting January 2025. This program provides relief by calculating the difference between the property taxes paid in the “base year” (2024 for most applicants) and subsequent years.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, applicants must:
– Be 62 years of age or older during the calendar year 2025.
– Own or have a legal interest in their primary residence.
– Be responsible for paying property taxes on the residence.
Key Features:
– Relief is calculated annually based on the difference between the base year’s taxes and current taxes.
– Participants must reapply yearly by submitting a notarized affidavit confirming ongoing eligibility.
– Relief does not apply retroactively.
How to Apply
Applications open in January 2025. Residents can apply online at claycountymo.gov or attend in-person events across the county. Applications must include proof of identity, age, and tax payment, with additional documentation required in some cases.
Community Application Dates
Jan 24 – Liberty Community Center 9am-4pm (1600 S Withers Rd, Liberty)
Jan 31 – Smithville Senior Center – 9am-3pm (113 W Main St, Smithville)
Feb 5 – NKC Senior Center – 9am-4pm (1201 Clark Ferguson Dr, NKC)
Feb 8 – Clay County Annex – 8am-7pm (1901 NE 48th St, KCMO)
Feb 11 – Northland Neighborhoods Inc. – 9am-4pm (5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway, KCMO)
Feb 21 – Kearney Senior Center – 9am-3pm (600 N Jefferson St, Kearney)
Feb 22 – Clay County Annex – 10am-6pm (1901 NE 48th St, KCMO)
Mar 5 – NKC Senior Center – 9am-4pm (1201 Clark Ferguson Dr, NKC)
Mar 11 – Northland Shepherd Center – 9am-3pm (5601 NE Antioch Rd, #12, Gladstone)
Mar 29 – Clay County Annex – 10am-6pm (1901 NE 48th St, KCMO)
March 31: Final date to submit applications for 2025.
Community Information Sessions:
– December 6: Excelsior Springs Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
– December 11: Excelsior Springs Community Center, 6:00 p.m.
Space is limited. No early arrivals. You must RSVP to secure your seat. Contact Taran at 816-656-2500 x2005 or visit: https://form.jotform.com/243184519959168
Clay County staff will be on-site to provide information, discuss eligibility requirements and answer your questions.
Ray County Senior Tax Credit
Ray County’s program offers a tax freeze on the residential portion of property taxes for qualifying seniors. The “frozen” tax year will be the year the applicant turns 62, with the credit applied in the following year’s tax statement.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, applicants must:
– Be 62 years or older by December 31st of the application year.
– Own or have a legal interest in their primary residence and be responsible for payment of taxes
– Submit a notarized application annually. (Ray County Collector’s office can notarize your application for you during normal business hours Monday-Friday, 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00, beginning Feb 1st.
Key Features:
– The frozen tax amount does not include certain levies such as debt service or state pension funds
– Taxes may increase due to new voter-approved levies or property improvements.
– If the property is sold, the tax credit does not transfer to the new homestead. The credit remains on the property sold until the following application year.
– General Obligation Bonds (Debt Service), State of Missouri Blind Pension Fund, and Special Assessments can not be frozen. If there is an increase in any of those levies, your tax bill will increase.
Currently, the following tax districts have Bonds:
- Orrick School District
- Lawson School District
- Excelsior Springs School District
- Polo School District
- Norborne School District
- City of Richmond
- City of Lawson
How to Apply:
Applications open February 1, 2025, and can be submitted at the Ray County Courthouse during regular business hours or during extended hours on March 8 and March 29. Applications must include proof of identity, age, and property ownership.
Important Deadlines:
– May 31: Final date to submit applications for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both homeowners need to be 62 years old to qualify?
No, only one homeowner needs to meet the age requirement. However, both eligible homeowners should sign the application if applicable.
Will my taxes remain the same every year?
No, certain levies, such as debt service, are not covered by the program. Taxes may also increase due to new voter-approved initiatives or property improvements.
What happens if I move?
The relief only applies to the property listed in the application. A new application is required for a different residence, establishing a new base year.
Why do I need to reapply every year?
Eligibility may change, and annual reapplication ensures compliance with program requirements.
The Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Programs in Clay and Ray Counties provide significant benefits to eligible homeowners. These initiatives aim to offer stability and financial relief, allowing seniors to better manage their property taxes. For more details, visit the official county websites or attend the scheduled public information sessions.
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