Program Overview and Objectives
Below this system, eligible householders aged 62 and older can have their actual property taxes frozen at their base yr, set as 2024 for these making use of in 2025. To take care of eligibility, members should reapply yearly by submitting an affidavit verifying that their residency and tax tasks stay unchanged.
“This program is designed to assist seniors age in place by guaranteeing that property tax will increase don’t drive them out of their houses,” Jacobs defined. “We’ve developed instruments to make the appliance course of as easy and accessible as doable.”
The tax aid applies solely to particular parts of the property tax invoice. For example, constitutionally mandated taxes, resembling these supporting the blind pension fund, usually are not included within the freeze.
Particulars of the Program
- Eligibility: Candidates have to be 62 or older, declare their property as their main residence, and pay actual property taxes on it. Residents with a number of properties could solely declare one house beneath this system.
- Base Yr: For these making use of in 2025, the bottom yr will likely be 2024. This system doesn’t apply retroactively.
- Utility Interval: January 1 via March 31 annually.
- Required Documentation: A legitimate picture ID, proof of paid property taxes, and documentation exhibiting authorized curiosity within the property (if the applicant is just not listed because the proprietor on the tax receipt).
As soon as enrolled, members’ property taxes will stay fastened at their base yr stage, although new voter-approved taxes or important enhancements to the property could enhance the bottom quantity.
Challenges and Affect on Tax Base
Jacobs and Commissioner Joanne Lawson addressed potential issues about this system’s broader implications. Whereas it offers aid for seniors, it doubtlessly shifts extra of the tax burden to different taxpayers.
“I used to be simply speaking to the assessor, and someplace between 2,000 to three,000 new houses are in-built Clay County annually. The vast majority of these folks coming in aren’t these 62 and over shopping for brand-new $500,000-plus homes. They’re younger folks, simply beginning out with little children in class. So, whereas we keep static and, sadly, begin dropping off, these individuals are coming in and form of revitalizing that tax base,” mentioned Commissioner Lawson. “These faculties usually are not going to undergo as a result of there’s all the time an inflow of recent college students coming in. That’s why we maintain having to construct new faculties, but in addition, it’s these younger dad and mom who’re paying the taxes. So, what little drops off from us oldies is being made up many occasions over by the younger folks. By no means concern—if we had been actually going to harm the faculties, there would have been some consideration given at Governor Parson’s stage as a result of I’m positive he would have gotten warmth from each trainer’s union and the whole lot else on the market. So, all of it evens out, and much more so, they’re not going to lose a dime.”
Implementation and Assist
The county is taking steps to make sure this system’s clean implementation, together with outreach efforts to coach residents and assist them apply. Informational periods, just like the one held in Excelsior Springs, are deliberate throughout the county. Libraries, senior facilities, and group organizations are being engaged to help seniors who might not be comfy making use of on-line.
“We perceive that not everyone seems to be tech-savvy,” Jacobs mentioned. “We’ll provide in-person assist, paper purposes, and even on-site help at key areas.”
Jacobs additionally highlighted the logistical challenges of rolling out this system, noting that Clay County anticipates as much as 30,000 purposes within the first yr. “It’s a fancy course of, particularly since every participant’s tax base yr is exclusive, however we’re dedicated to creating this program work,” she mentioned throughout her presentation.
