Missouri Commissioners passed an ordinance authorizing a property tax credit pursuant to Senate Bill 190 and Senate Bill 756 and § 137.1050, RSMo. to provide property tax relief on senior citizens’ primary residence on April 2nd, 2025, as Ordinance #25-01. The County has compiled answers to frequently asked questions regarding the status of the Senior Real Estate Tax Credit, its implementation requirements, and the potential effects on taxpayers and local districts.

General Program Information

Q: Does Lafayette County MO have a Senior Real Estate Tax Credit?

The Lafayette County MO Senior Real Estate Tax Credit went into effect in 2025 because the Lafayette County Commission passed Ordinance #25-01.

Q: Is there an application process for the Lafayette County Senior Real Estate Tax Credit?

Yes. The program is voluntary, and if you want to receive the credit, YOU MUST APPLY. You will need to submit an application along with supporting documentation to the Purchasing Office. All applications must be notarized. Notary services are available at most banks/credit unions.

Q: What is a homestead?

A homestead is real property actually occupied by an eligible taxpayer as the primary residence and surrounding real property, currently defined as residential. An eligible taxpayer shall not claim more than one primary residence. Credit does not apply to agricultural or commercial property.

Eligibility and Application Process

Q: Who qualifies for the tax credit or who is an “Eligible Taxpayer”?

An eligible taxpayer is defined as a Lafayette County, Missouri resident who:

• Turned sixty-two (62) years of age or older by or before 12/31/2025; and

• Is an owner of record of a homestead or has a legal or equitable interest in such property as evidenced by a written instrument; and

• Is liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead; and

• Is not a taxpayer that owes delinquent taxes, interest, or penalties.

Q: If I am an Eligible Taxpayer, am I automatically enrolled?

No. Participation in the Senior Real Estate Tax Credit is voluntary, so an application is required.

Q: How do I apply for this tax credit?

The application period is April 1, 2026 – June, 30 2026 for applicants 62 or older by or before 12/31/2025

• Obtain an application at lafayettecountymo.gov or call to request an application be mailed to you.

• Complete the application and prepare required documents.

• Complete the signature section with the required notarization.

• Submit everything before the June 30, 2026 deadline to the Lafayette County Purchasing Office Attn: Wendy Johnson at 1001 Main St. Lexington, MO 64067.

Q: How do I find my Parcel Number?

1. View your Real Estate Property Tax Receipt

2. Visit www.lafayettecountycollector. com

-Select “Real Estate Tax Search, Receipts, Statements” -Search by Name or Tax ID

Q: What supporting documentation must be submitted along with my application?

COPIES of the following are required:

1. Proof of Missouri Residency (One of the following): -Voter Registration Card -Other (current utility bill, mortgage statement, military identification, etc.)

2. Proof of Ownership (All applicable): -Deed identifying the Applicant as the owner of the property or a written instrument showing Applicant has legal or equitable interest in the Property.

-Trust Agreement or Operating Agreement – Required if property is owned by an entity (i.e. trusts, LLC, corporation, partnership)

3. Current Paid Tax Receipt for Parcel: Must show the address of the homestead and the name of the Eligible Taxpayer as being one responsible for taxes.

4. Proof of Age (One of the following): -Driver License or Non-Driver License -Birth certificate -Passport Additional documents may be requested for further verification.

Q: If one homeowner qualifies and the other does not, can we still receive the credit?

Yes. Only one homeowner in a household needs to meet the eligibility requirements to claim the credit. The credit is not transferable to another individual.

Q: Do I have to be current on my real property taxes to participate in the program?

Yes. All taxes on the homestead must be current at the time of application to qualify.

Q: How will I know if my application has been approved?

The County will review completed applications and if additional documentation is required, you will be notified. Applications that are submitted after the June 30, 2026 deadline will be denied.

Q: When will I receive my tax credit?

For eligible taxpayers that submit an application and all required documents by June 30th, 2026, any eligible credit amount will be applied to the 2026 real property tax statement. Keep in mind these are credits on your tax bill not refunds of taxes you’ve already paid. The credit is not retroactive and the year you apply will determine the year you receive credit.

Credit Calculation and Impact

Q: What is my Initial Credit Year?

If you qualify as an “Eligible Taxpayer” before or during 2025, your tax credit will be based on tax year 2025.

Q: How is the tax credit calculated?

The credit amount will be different for each homestead and will be calculated as follows: Taxpayer’s homestead real property tax liability for a given tax year – Real Property Tax Liability from Initial Credit Year on the Homestead/Eligible Credit (see ineligible tax liabilities below)

Q: What property tax liabilities are NOT eligible for the Senior Real Estate Tax Credit?

The Senior Real Estate Tax Credit does NOT apply to:

• Agricultural Property

• Commercial Property

• Personal Property

• New Construction and Improvements: If a taxpayer makes improvements or builds new structures on their home, their property tax will be increased for the year they first qualify for the credit, based on the added value from those improvements.

• Annexation into a New Taxing Area: If a taxpayer’s home is added to a new area that charges property taxes (where the taxpayer didn’t previously pay taxes), their property tax for the year they first qualify for the credit will increase to include the tax owed to the new area.

• Certain Ad Valorem Levies: State Blind Pension Fund and levies related to any and all voter- approved bond indebtedness from any taxing entity.

Q: How will I know the amount of my tax credit?

The tax credit will be reflected on your annual tax bill from the Lafayette County Collector. You are still responsible for paying any remaining balance due.

Q: What if my real property taxes are paid through my mortgage company?

If your taxes are escrowed, your mortgage company will receive updated tax information, including any applied credit. It remains the taxpayer’s responsibility to ensure timely payment.

Ongoing Participation and Renewals

Q: Do I need to reapply each year?

No. The order authorizing the program has been amended to make annual renewal automatic. If you were approved in 2025, you will automatically be enrolled in 2026 and future bill years as long as you remain eligible. You are not required to submit annual renewal applications.

The program does require selfreporting. If there is a change in ownership, residency status, or if the applicant is deceased, the taxpayer or their representative must notify the Lafayette County Assessor’s Office so the account can be updated.

Q: What happens if I sell my home and move to another residence in Lafayette County?

The tax credit does not transfer to a new home or to the new owner of your previous property. If you are eligible after moving, complete a new application to establish a new initial credit year.

Q: If an older property owner qualifies first and then passes away, how is the credit calculated?

If the older owner passes away, eligibility, the initial credit year and the tax credit amount will be recalculated based on the remaining applicant’s eligibility.

Q: Will I be reimbursed for tax payments from previous years?

No. The Senior Real Estate Tax Credit begins in the approved application year. No reimbursements or refunds will be issued for prior tax years.

County and Taxing District Impact

Q: How will taxing districts be affected?

Districts funded by property taxes—such as cities, schools, fire districts, libraries, ambulance services, etc.—could see reduced future revenue.

Q: Can I apply the credit to all districts except one?

No. The credit will be applied to all districts, except the tax liabilities NOT eligible for the credit.

Q: What additional costs will the County incur?

The County may face increased costs for:

• Software updates

• Staffing and training for processing applications

• Outreach efforts to inform seniors and assist with the application process

• Document creation and storage

• Verification and appeals management

Additionally, the County will likely bear ongoing costs related to verifying eligibility, managing appeals, and updating tax records annually to account for changes in property ownership or eligibility status. The full scope of costs is unknown and will depend on the number of applicants.

Additional Questions

Q: I read all the FAQs but still have questions. How can I find out more?

• Visit lafayettecountymo.gov

• Call 660-259-4315 or email j.white@lafayettecountymo.gov