Senior Property Tax Freeze Credit

Overview

The last day to apply for the Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze Credit in 2024 was June 30. We are pleased to report that over 5,500 senior citizens have applied for the credit.

The application process opened on March 1, 2024 and applications could be submitted through an online portal or could be mailed or hand delivered. For senior taxpayers approved in 2024, they will need to renew their application every year, but will not need to provide all the documentation as long as there have been no changes.

The March 1 opening date and June 30 closing date will be in place every year for both new and returning applicants.

About the Program

The Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze Credit program is made possible by a new law passed in the Missouri legislature and a new ordinance enacted by the Board of Alderman in 2023. The tax freeze program limits the amount of increase that can happen in the future due to property tax increases. In the City of St. Louis, the City’s taxes are being frozen which accounts for approximately 20% of the property taxes. For those seniors who qualify and are approved, the property tax freeze reduces future increases by about 20%; the property taxes can still go up but will be less than if the freeze were not in place.

Requirements

The program requires applicants meet the following:

• Be eligible for Social Security benefits
• Be age 62 or older
• Be the owner of record or have a legal/equitable interest in the primary residence
• Be liable for the payment of taxes on the property
• Physically occupy the residence as the personal dwelling for a majority of the year and the residence be used as the legal address

Additional requirements include:

• The total market value of the property must be $500,000 or less
• All property taxes from the prior year must be paid
• Tax abated properties are not eligible for the credit while in abated status

Modifications to Law

On May 17, 2024, the Missouri legislature made some modifications to the law. The most significant change is the removal of the requirement to be eligible for Social Security benefits as some professions, like teachers, railroad employees, firefighters and federal employees do not pay into social security. Removing this requirement will allow more seniors to apply and qualify who are aged 62 and over. If signed by the Governor, the changes will go into effect on August 28, 2024 and the City will allow anyone who was unable to apply due to those restrictions to apply if/when that law goes into effect.

Please check back to this page for updates.