Senior Tax Credit Applications Available In Christian, Greene Counties

This is the first year that senior residents in Greene and Christian counties can take advantage of a property tax credit created last year by state legislation, known as Senate Bill 190. Despite some confusion about how the law will be implemented, the counties are moving forward with tax stabilization and benefits for seniors.

According to information from the Greene County Clerk’s Office, here’s what you need to know to complete the process.

How does tax stabilization work?

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

Instead of getting the money back in the form of a tax credit, no new taxes would be added to future property tax bills other than the “frozen” portion of the bill, preventing eligible seniors from paying more.

Who is eligible for the senior property tax credit?

As written, people who can apply for the tax credit must be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, own a homestead or have an equitable interest in such a homestead, and be responsible for paying real estate taxes on such homestead.

The “homestead” must be a primary residence. A taxpayer cannot claim more than one primary residence. There is no limit to the assessed value of the property or how much can be credited.

How do I apply for the senior property tax credit?

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

Applications for eligible Greene County taxpayers may be submitted in person or mailed to the Greene County Clerk’s Office at 940 N. Boonville Ave., Room 113. Completed and notarized applications and documentation may also be submitted electronically via email to propertytaxcredit@greenecountymo.gov.

Applications must be submitted by September 30. Once submitted, applications will undergo an evaluation process to confirm eligibility. Once this process is complete, you will be notified whether your application has been accepted or not.

What do I need to do to apply?

Copies of the following documents are required to be attached with the application:

Proof of identity: birth certificate, driver license or state/federal photo ID;
Proof of ownership: A deed or written document identifying you as the owner of the property that shows you have a legal or equitable interest in the property. If you need help finding information to meet 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 for past tax statements and receipts Greene County Collector’s Website by name or address;
Social Security Benefits Verification Letter or a copy of the current Social Security Statement. The verification letter can be requested from the Social Security Administration while the current statement is required through the year-end SSA-1099 form that the SSA provides.

What changes could occur?

Gaps left by SB 190 have been addressed Senate Bill 756Which is still awaiting the signature of Governor Mike Parson. One of the main changes that the new bill will make to the process is that it will make all owners aged 62 and above eligible, not just those who are eligible for Social Security benefits. Currently, the process does not include certain occupations that are not eligible for Social Security such as teachers, civil servants and others.

Greene County Collector Alan Isett said the process is currently governed by SB 190 because it is law. If signed by Parson, SB 756 will go into effect on Aug. 28, leaving a month for those who want to be included in the eligibility pool to submit applications by the Sept. 30 deadline. He said conversations are underway to allow for flexibility if the new law takes effect but currently the process for applications is unchanged.

More:Missouri legislators working to fix 2023 legislation that would freeze property taxes for seniors

Christian County

Christian County seniors apply through the same process as Greene County, including the same application requirements. However, Christian County seniors must submit applications by June 30 and the deadline for the office to be open to accept applications is June 28.

Applications may be obtained and submitted in person or mailed to the Collector’s Office at 100 W. Church St., Room 101, Ozark, MO. Applications may also be viewed online. Collector’s website,