Senior Citizen Tax Credit

Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Credit

As of 2024, Pulaski County, Missouri Seniors may be eligible for a Property Tax Credit!

This credit will allow qualified senior taxpayers to lock down their real estate ‘Homestead’ taxes, effectively freezing their bill for future years.

Eligibility Requirements

  • An applicant may only apply for ONE home, in this or any county
    • All applicants must physically occupy the home as their primary residence.
    • An occupant may only claim one residence as their primary residence.
  • Annual renewal (between April 1 and the last Friday in May) is required for the program to maintain eligibility.
  • This program is NOT an exemption. You still pay real estate taxes on your home.
  • This program is NOT retroactive. If you are approved, your ‘credit’ amount (savings) will always be zero dollars in the initial application year. It is the FOLLOWING year in which the program provides the first opportunity to see a ‘credit’.

Senior Citizen Tax Credit FAQs

  • Who is eligible for the property tax credit?

    An eligible taxpayer is a Missouri resident who:

    • Is 62 years of age or older as of January 1st.
    • Is an owner of record of a homestead or has a legal/equitable interest in such homestead, and
    • Is liable for the payment of real estate taxes on such homestead. "Homestead" means real property occupied by an eligible taxpayer as the taxpayer's primary residence. An eligible taxpayer shall not claim more than one primary residence.

  • Do I have to apply for the credit every year?

    There will be an annual renewal application. The Renewal application will automatically be mailed at the beginning of April each year. Please contact the Pulaski County Collector’s Office if you do not receive your renewal notice and application .

  • When is the Application and Renewal Period?

    April 1st through the last Friday in May. Forms submitted at any other time will not be valid or reviewed.

  • How do I apply or renew for the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze?

    Beginning April 1st, Applications can be found on our website (www.pulaskicollector.com) or requested via E-mail (collector@pulaskicollector.com) or phone (573)774-4711 or picked up at our office in the Pulaski County Courthouse. *All Completed Applications must be returned to the Collector's Office and RECEIVED by the last Friday in May deadline. Original signed applications are required; Electronic Copies of applications will NOT be accepted.

  • How will I be notified of the status of my application?

    Status notifications will be sent by mail.

  • What if taxes go down?

    If the tax bill decreases below the amount at which it was previously frozen, the frozen amount becomes the new, lower amount.

  • I am age-eligible (62) but my spouse (or co-tenant) is not. What now?

    Only the person who is eligible should apply. When the spouse/co-tenant becomes eligible, they will then begin co-signing on the application or renewal.

  • Who should be listed on the application?

    All applicants must be owners of record on the deed either individually/jointly, trustees of the trust that is owner of record, or vested owners through the operating agreement of an entity that owns the property. However, not all owners of record must apply for the property to be eligible. Any owner not residing in the home as a primary residence is NOT eligible. This includes owners who may reside in facilities outside the home, such as assisted living or with relatives.

  • Can I apply if I still have a mortgage?

    Yes.

  • I've completed an addition to my home, now what? How will that affect my Tax Credit?

    In the event of new construction, the tax base shall re-set and the new tax base for determining the taxpayer's tax liability shall be the following year in which the new construction occurred.

  • What Qualifies as a 'Capital Improvement' on my renewal form?

    The Pulaski County Assessor's Office (located inside the Pulaski County Courthouse) can help you with detailed questions and confirmations about things that are considered capital improvements. Stop by or call (573)774-4717 to inquire with them any specific questions you may have.

    In general:

    Capital Improvements will include: adding structures or features to your property or expansion of square footage of existing structures.

    Capital Improvements typically does not include maintenance of existing features; however, please contact the Assessor's Office if you have specific questions or concerns.

  • Does all my real estate qualify as "Homestead" for the freeze and corresponding credit?

    No. "Homestead" means real property actually occupied by an eligible taxpayer as the primary residence, which shall not be interpreted to include commercial properties, agricultural properties, or non-residential structures (*such as barns, storage facilities, cell phone towers, etc.). An eligible taxpayer shall not claim more than one primary residence.

  • Real property shall NOT qualify as a homestead if:

    More than 50% of the real property is leased to a person, or persons, other than the eligible taxpayer.

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