Jackson County Updates Senior Property Tax Credit Program

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 Jackson County updates senior property tax credit program following new state legislation

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County is announcing updates to its Senior Property Tax Credit Program following Governor Mike Parson’s signing of Senate Bill 756 into law. The new legislation changes two eligibility requirements that were initially established with the passage of Senate Bill 190:

No Social Security Retirement Verification: Eligible residents no longer have to qualify for or provide proof of social security retirement benefits to apply for the credit. The new legislation now has an age requirement of 62 and older. Eligible residents need to only provide proof of age with their application using a government-issued document with a date of birth.

No Market Value Limitations: The new legislation prohibits the county from requiring an eligible resident’s market value to be less than $550,000 in order to apply.

State law establishes the guidelines for the county’s program, which seeks to help eligible residents with property tax payments on their home by freezing their property tax bill. Applications reflecting the new eligibility requirements are available. Those who are approved for the program this year will see the tax credit benefit on their bill in 2025.

“This new legislation simplifies the application process for our senior residents, making it easier for them to access available property tax relief assistance,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Collection Department Director, Scott Lakin, and his team have diligently updated all necessary documents to incorporate these changes, while also processing thousands of applications received since our program's launch in March.”
 
"While state law has mandated changes to our program, residents who have already applied for the property tax credit do not need to re-apply," said Department of Collection Director Scott Lakin. "I am proud to announce that our team is fully staffed and ready to administer the program efficiently, ensuring the best possible customer service to assist residents with the process. Additionally, we are committed to partnering with regional senior social service organizations to raise awareness about the program and provide updates."
 
The deadline to submit first-time applications and supporting documentation via email or in person is December 31 of each year. Applicants will be notified of approval by email or mail. Once approved, participants are not required to renew their application to remain in the program but the Department of Collection reserves the right to do periodic audits and reviews of continued eligibility.
 
Applications can be found online at www.jacksongov.org/seniortaxcredit. Copies will also be available at both Collection Department locations at the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. For further details on the application process, eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions, please visit the program website at www.jacksongov.org/seniortaxcredit.
 
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