Questions

Real Estate Taxes

What is real estate tax? Real Estate, also known as real property, is defined as land and everything affixed or attached to the land.

Who owes real estate tax? Everyone who owns real estate within the county is responsible for real estate taxes for the property they own. Certain tax-exempt organizations are an exception.

Where do my taxes go? School districts, cities and towns, fire districts, the county and other entities receive revenue from this source. For additional information on the different entities see the Tax Levy page on this website.

I no longer own the property. What should I do with the Real Estate tax statement? The tax statement should be forwarded to the purchaser. You and the new owner should decide at the time of closing which party will pay the taxes when they become due.

I just bought this property, but you have sent me a tax statement that includes several past due taxes. Isn’t the previous owner responsible for the delinquent taxes? No, taxes follow the property and not the taxpayer. It is the buyer’s responsibility to find out the status of taxes before purchasing the property.

Personal Property Taxes

What is personal property tax? Personal property tax is a tax based upon the value of taxable personal property. This is everything that is not real property. This includes motor vehicles, boats, farm machinery, watercraft, boat motors, livestock and any other personal property not exempted by law.

Who owes personal property tax? Every person owning or holding personal property in Missouri on the first day of January, including property purchased on that day, will be held liable for taxes for that calendar year. You are still responsible for personal property taxes even if you move from Missouri after January 1. If you are active duty military you might not owe personal property taxes for Missouri if your home of residence is not Missouri, but you will need to contact the Assessor’s office to verify that you are not liable for taxes.

Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes

When are my annual taxes due? Your annual tax statement may be paid November 1 thru December 31 without any interest and penalty for current taxes. Penalties begin to accrue on January 1 at the rate of 2% per month accumulative to 18% annually. To avoid penalties it is important that you complete a yearly assessment form with the Assessor’s office in a timely manner and pay your taxes in a timely manner.

Can I pay my real estate and personal property taxes together? Yes. Make sure the amount you send in is the exact amount due for both taxes because we cannot accept a payment for any more or less than what is due.

Why should I keep my tax receipts? If you itemize on your tax forms you may need your real estate and personal property tax information. You will need your personal property tax receipt to renew your license for any personal property requiring a license.

I mailed my payment on the last day of the month but now penalties are being assessed for the next month. Why? Your payment must be postmarked by the end of the month or your payment will be returned because additional penalties will have been added and your payment will not be for the correct amount. Placing your payment in the mailbox on the last day of the month does not guarantee a postmark on the last day of the month. The Collector’s Office accepts only the official U.S. postal mark when processing payments.

I did not receive a tax statement. Will the penalties be removed? No. Missouri State Statutes state failure to receive a bill does not excuse the penalties.

Who decides when current taxes are due and when penalties are assessed? The Missouri Revised Statutes governs the due date for taxes and when and how penalties are assessed on taxes.