Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim ("Circuit Breaker") for older homeowners

What this program is, in plain English

Missouri offers property tax relief to older homeowners through some combination of a homestead exemption, a senior freeze that locks the assessed value, a circuit breaker credit tied to income, and a deferral that postpones the bill until the home is sold. Missouri Department of Revenue sets the rules, but almost all of these are filed with your county assessor or treasurer, not with the state. Deadlines are once a year and missing one usually costs you the whole year, so call the county assessor and ask which relief you qualify for and when the form is due. A deferral is a loan against the house, not a discount, so ask what interest is charged before you sign. Gives a credit to certain senior citizens and 100% disabled individuals for a portion of the real estate taxes or rent they paid during the year, based on total household income; a maximum credit of $1,100 for owners and $750 for renters applies. Claimed via Form MO-PTC.

Who qualifies

• You are 60 or older.
• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm

What to have ready

• Photo ID showing the address of the home you live in
• Proof of age, such as a driver's license or birth certificate
• Last year's property tax bill
• Proof of income for everyone who owns or lives in the home
• The deed or proof that you own and occupy the home

How to apply

This program is run by Missouri Department of Revenue. Processing times vary by state.