Show-Me State Times

The City of St. Louis has re-opened applications for the Senior Tax Freeze following Governor Mike Parson's signing of Senate Bill 756, which expands eligibility for the credit. The application window will remain open until August 31, 2024.

"We want our older residents to age in place without the fear of being priced out of their neighborhood as we build a stronger St. Louis," said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "I hope eligible seniors will take advantage of this additional opportunity to apply."

Initially, state law limited eligibility to those who were eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, excluding teachers, firefighters, and railroad employees from receiving this credit. With the passage and signature of SB 756, these restrictions have been removed. The bill also provides clarity on how local governments may implement this credit.

BB 74, filed by Alderman Michael Browning, will update the ordinance that allows the City to provide this tax credit.

"With thousands of applications already submitted, we're excited to expand eligibility for the senior property tax freeze to all residents 62 and older," said Alderman Browning. "St. Louis will be among the first cities to incorporate this change, offering much-needed relief to seniors in our city."

Eligible senior citizens can apply through the City of St. Louis Assessor's Office online, via paper form, or in-person at the office before the August 31 deadline and again each year starting on January 1 until June 30.

"With the recent amendment to the Senior Tax Freeze law, seniors who do not qualify for social security benefits are now eligible for the freeze," said St. Louis City Assessor Michael Dauphin. "The Assessor's Office is happy to be reopening the application to allow more seniors to benefit from this program."