Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze Credit Program

Overview

The City of St. Louis Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze Credit program enables the City to freeze the City’s property tax rates. Eligible senior citizens may apply for the credit annually through the City of St. Louis Assessor’s Office.

The freeze does not apply to other tax rates such as public schools, public library, museum and zoo district, etc. The freeze applies only to real estate and does not apply to vehicles or other personal property.

Each year the application window for both new and returning applicants is open March 1-June 30, except in 2024 when applications are open until August 31 to allow people who do not collect social security to apply for the program.

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 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.

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