Find out if you qualify to freeze your Jackson Co. property taxes — and how to apply
A new Missouri program approved by Jackson County allows eligible residents to effectively freeze their property taxes so they won’t continue to rise as home values increase over future assessment periods.
Following last year’s controversial property assessment season, many Jackson County homeowners are finding their mortgages and other house payments rising. This new program offers relief for some homeowners on fixed incomes, including seniors and people with disabilities.
The new program is now accepting applications online. Here’s everything you need to know about who is eligible and how to apply.
Who qualifies for the new property tax freeze in Jackson County?
The state law authorizing counties to implement the freeze defines eligible taxpayers as those who meet all three of the following criteria:
Eligible for Social Security retirement benefits
The owner of record of or have a “legal or equitable interest” in a homestead (meaning residential property)
Liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead
According to the Jackson County Collections Department, “Taxpayers do not need to be currently drawing Social Security benefits in order to qualify, just be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.”
The website also states that this freeze applies only to homeowners’ primary residences and that the market value of the home must be less than $550,000.
How do I apply to have my property taxes frozen?
Applications are open now on the Jackson County Collections Department website.
You can also print the form to fill out by hand and either email it along with your supporting documents to SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org, or mail a paper copy with copies of your supporting documents to one of the following addresses:
Jackson County Courthouse
415 E. 12th St. Suite #100
Kansas City, MO 64106
Historic Truman Courthouse
112 W. Lexington Ave. Suite #114
Independence, MO 64050
Both of these locations also have drop boxes where you can deposit your application in person.
What documents do I need to apply for the property tax freeze?
According to the Jackson County Collections Department, applicants for the program will need to provide three supporting documents:
Proof of your primary residence in Jackson County, such as your driver’s license, voter registration card, utility bill or other official document bearing your name and address
Proof of your eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits, such as a Social Security verification letter or a copy of your current Social Security statement. A driver’s license or birth certificate don’t qualify for this category.
Proof of your responsibility to pay property taxes on your home, such as the deed to your home with your name on it. If your name is not on the deed, a trust or operation agreement document is required to prove you are the property taxpayer.
What happens after I apply for the property tax freeze program?
While there isn’t a specific timeline in place for when you will hear back about your application, the county will inform you via email or postal mail about your approval.
“The year an application is approved sets the base amount for the property tax bill freeze,” county spokesperson Marshanna Smith told The Star.
“This base amount is what an individual will pay moving forward unless there is a change in eligibility. For example, if you are approved for the program in 2024, the 2024 amount will be your freeze amount. You will see the benefit of the freeze in 2025, as your bill will stay the same as 2024.”
Homeowners will need to reapply every year to prove they still qualify for the program. If you fall behind on paying your property taxes, you won’t be eligible for the freeze. If you move to a new primary residence, you will need to submit a new application in order for your taxes to be frozen.
Seniors who qualify for the property tax freeze may also qualify and participate in the county’s Senior Quad Pay Program, which allows them to spread their tax payments out into four installments over the year. If you are eligible for both programs, you can apply and participate in them both at once.
Do you have more questions about the cost of living in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
