15. Do I have to be current on my real property taxes to participate in the program?
Yes, all taxes on a qualifying homestead must be current at the time of application to qualify for the program.
14. What happens if I sell my homestead for which I was receiving eligible credits for and move into another home in St. Francois County?
The eligible credit is based on the primary residence as indicated on the application. The tax credits do not transfer to another homestead or to the new property owner. If you move and meet the criteria for an Eligible Taxpayer, you will need to complete a new application establishing a new base year for [...]
13. My real property taxes are paid through my mortgage company. How will this credit be applied for me?
The Collector’s Office will notify any escrow company that requests the annual tax information for parcels that they service. This tax information will include the amount of taxes due less any applied credit. As always, it is the taxpayer’s responsibility to make sure the taxes are paid timely by their escrow company. [...]
12. How will I know the amount of the tax credit I’m receiving?
Any tax credit will be noted on the annual real estate tax statement sent by the St. Francois County Collector. You will be responsible for paying the remaining amount of taxes due on the statement. The tax bills are due upon receipt and the last day to pay without late charges is December 31 [...]
11. Once my application is approved, does that mean the amount I pay for my real property taxes is frozen and will never go up?
No. Your real property tax liability may increase incrementally based upon changes in certain taxes which are exempt from the credit, such as the State of Missouri Blind Pension Fund and voter-approved bond indebtedness levies. Your taxes may also increase due to any new construction or improvements that would cause an increase in valuation [...]
10. What supporting documentation must be submitted along with my application?
Proof of Age for the Applicant & Co-Applicant (include one of the following) A copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or Non-Driver License; A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate; or A copy of the applicant’s passport or Passport Card Proof of Ownership A copy of the real property tax bill and/or receipt showing [...]
9. Will I need to reapply for the credit each year?
No. There are 3 factors that will be reviewed yearly that could affect the status of the credit such as the applicant is deceased, has moved, or has delinquent tax due. The Collector's office will do the research through available resources. In the case that the applicant is deceased and the co-applicant is eligible, [...]
8. How will I know if my application has been approved?
Completed applications will be reviewed by County Collector office. Please be patient with us as we implement this new program. Please allow for up to 30 days for your application to be reviewed and notifications to be sent. If additional information is needed to process the application, the County Collector’s Office will first attempt [...]
7. What is the Initial Credit Year?
The Initial Credit Year is the year that a taxpayer is 62 on or before January 1st.
6. What is a homestead?
A homestead is the real property occupied by an Eligible Taxpayer as their primary residence. You can only claim one (1) primary residence statewide as your homestead.