Ray County Senior Tax Credit
For Seniors 62 & Older
The window is closed to submit an application for 2025. We will accept applications for 2026 beginning March 2, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
IMPORTANT: All new tax levies approved by the voters will be added to your real estate tax bill. After the first year of the new tax levy, you will receive a credit for any increase, as long as the levy approved was not a Bond. Credits will not be issued for Bonds.
WHAT IS THE SENIOR TAX CREDIT
The Senior Tax Credit allows the county to give you a credit on your real estate tax on your primary residence for most increases in your tax liability. This credit applies solely to the residential portion on your tax statement. If you are 62 years old or older on or before December 31, 2024, your initial credit year is 2024, with your first credit reflected on your 2025 tax statement. If you turn sixty-two any time during 2026, that will be your initial credit year, and your first credit will appear on your 2027 tax statement.
TO QUALIFY FOR A CREDIT
• Applicants must be sixty-two or older. If you turn sixty-two between January 1st – December 31st of the application year you qualify for the tax credit.
• The Credit applies only to your primary residence. You must provide proof of residency with your application.
• You must be the owner of the property or have a legal equitable interest and be responsible for payment of the taxes.
• You must submit an application with proof of age and two proofs of address. Our office can notarize your application for you during normal business hours Monday-Friday, 8:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00, beginning the first Monday of March.
HOW MUCH IS MY TAX CREDIT
• Your credit will be equal to the difference between the residential tax amount on your homestead in the year you turn sixty-two and any future year. The initial credit year is 2024 or the year you turn 62 and submit an application.
• General Obligation Bonds (Debt Service), State of Missouri Blind Pension Fund, and Special Assessments can’t be frozen. You may continue to see small increases if you are in one of these jurisdictions.
Currently, the following tax districts have Bonds:
• Orrick School District
• Lawson School District
• Excelsior Springs School District
• Polo School District
• Norborne School District
• City of Richmond
• City of Lawson
• Any tax increase for new construction or improvements will not be frozen. The additional tax generated due to improvements will be added to your initial credit year.
• If at any time your real estate tax decreases, that new year will become your frozen amount.
• If you sell your homestead during the year, your tax credit will not transfer to your new homestead. The credit will remain on the property sold until the following application year.
• The last day of June each year is the deadline to submit new applications. Applications submitted after that date will receive a credit the following year.
** Once you are approved for the tax credit it will remain in effect as long as there are no changes. If you move or an applicant passes away, please notify our office.