Senior property tax credits available in Greene, Christian counties

This is the first year that Greene and Christian County senior residents may take advantage of property tax credits created by state legislation last year known as Senate Bill 190. Despite some confusion about how the law would be implemented, counties are moving ahead with the tax freeze and benefits for seniors.

Here's what you need to know to navigate the process according to information from the Greene County Clerk's Office.

How does the tax freeze work?

Currently, the state law provides tax relief to eligible senior taxpayers by effectively freezing future property tax bills at the amount of taxes owed in the year they became eligible.

Rather than receiving money back in a tax credit, future property tax bills will take off any new tax beyond the "frozen" portion of the bill, preventing eligible seniors from having to pay more.

Who is eligible for the senior property tax credits?

As written, those who can apply for the tax credit have to be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, be the owner of record of a homestead or have a equitable interest in such a homestead and be liable for the payment of the real estate taxes on such homestead.

A "homestead" has to be the primary residence. A taxpayer cannot claim more than one primary residence. There is no cap to the assessed value of the property or how much can be credited.

How do I apply for senior property tax credits?

Greene County applications can be found online on the County Clerk's website or picked up in person at the office. The application must be completed, with all necessary documents attached, and signed in the presence of a notary.

Applications for Greene County eligible taxpayers can be turned in in-person or mailed to the Greene County Clerk's Office at 940 N. Boonville Ave., Room 113. Completed and notarized applications and documentation can also be submitted electronically via email to [email protected].

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30. After submission, applications will go through an evaluation process to confirm eligibility. Once that is complete, you will be notified whether your application has been accepted.

What do I need to apply?

Along the application, copies of the following documents are required to be attached:

• Proof of identity: birth certificate, driver license or state/ federal photo ID;

• Proof of ownership: deed identifying you as the owner of the property or a written instrument showing you have a legal or equitable interest in the property. If you need help finding information to satisfy this requirement, contact the Greene County Recorder of Deeds;

• Proof of liability for payment of taxes: copy of the most recent full year paid property tax receipt for the parcel. You can search past tax statements and receipts on the Greene County Collector's website by name or address;

• A copy of Social Security benefit verification letter or of a current Social Security statement. A verification letter can be requested from the Social Security Administration while a current statement is the year-end Form SSA-1099 that the SSA provides.

What could change?

The gaps left by SB 190 have been addressed by Senate Bill 756, which currently awaits Gov. Mike Parson's signature. One of the main changes the new bill would make to the process is that it would make all owners 62 and older eligible instead of only those who are eligible for Social Security benefits. Currently, the process excludes some professions who are not eligible for Social Security like teachers, civil servants and others.

Greene County Collector Allen Icet said the process is currently governed by SB 190 as that is the law. If signed by Parson, SB 756 would go into effect Aug. 28, leaving a month for those who would be added to the eligibility pool to submit an application by the Sept. 30 deadline. He said conversations are happening to allow for flexibility if the new law does go into effect but currently the process for applications is unchanged.

More: Missouri legislators work to fix 2023 law freezing property taxes for seniors

Christian County

Seniors in Christian County apply through a similar process as those in Greene County, with the application including the same requirements. However, the application for Christian County seniors is due by June 30 with the last day the offices will be open to accept applications being June 28.

Applications can both be picked up and turned in in-person or mailed to the Collector's Office at 100 W. Church St. Room 101, Ozark, MO. Applications can also be found online on the Collector's website.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Senior tax credit applications available in Christian, Greene counties