Eligible Boone County residents can now apply for property tax relief that will allow them to freeze any increase in their property taxes. Applications for Boone County real estate tax relief opened earlier this week. The program is open to residents aged 62 and older.
Boone County real estate tax relief program: what is it?
Boone County created the property tax relief program in response to a bill passed by Missouri lawmakers. In April, Boone County voters approved the relief by ballot, while county officials adopted the program in May.
Boone County is the 12th out of 114 Missouri counties to approve the tax relief program for seniors. The county started accepting applications for the program on July 1, while the last date to apply is October 1.
Boone County’s program freezes property taxes of eligible homeowners, meaning the property tax will remain the same even if the home value increases.
Eligible recipients will receive a credit equal to the difference between their real estate property tax liability in the current year and the tax liability on the same house in the year they joined the Boone County real estate tax relief program. The credit is available for only one property per taxpayer.
Eligible seniors can apply online at ShowMeBoone.com by clicking the Real Estate Tax Relief Program link. They can also apply by visiting the Boone County Collector of Revenue’s Office (801 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO). The Collector’s Office accepts notarized applications from 8 am to 5 pm (Monday through Friday).
Alternatively, applicants can mail their notarized applications to 801 E. Walnut St., Room 118, Columbia, MO 65201.
Who qualifies for the relief?
To qualify for the Boone County real estate tax relief, a person needs to be:
- Residents of Boone County.
- 62 years or older as of January 1 of the initial credit year.
- Owner of a primary residence or has a legal or equitable interest in a primary residence.
- Liable to pay real property taxes on the primary residence.
For eligible taxpayers as of Jan. 1, 2024, the tax relief will apply to the 2025 real estate tax statement after the 2025 renewal application is submitted and approved. Similarly, for taxpayers eligible in 2025,
the credit will be attributed to their 2026 tax returns.
It must be noted that applicants need to apply each year to get tax relief on their primary residence. The relief is not available to owners of rental properties and mobile homes. Though the last date to submit the application for 2024 is October 1, the deadline for subsequent years will be June 30.
Visit www.ShowMeBoone.com for more information on the Boone County real estate tax relief program.
