Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey succeeded in a legal case against the Jackson County Tax Assessor, with the court ruling in favor of the state on all counts. The court's decision highlights Jackson County's violation of state law by inflating property assessments, which resulted in unjust tax burdens on residents.

"Today’s ruling ensures that the people of Jackson County will not be subjected to illegal tax hikes," stated Attorney General Bailey. "We will continue to fight for fairness and accountability to ensure local officials aren’t breaking the law and exploiting working Missouri families in Jackson County."

The court identified several infractions in the county's 2023 property assessments. These included:

1. Inaccurate parcel-by-parcel reviews that did not correctly represent property values.

2. Failure to perform required physical inspections for properties facing a significant assessment increase.

3. Inadequate notification to approximately 75% of homeowners, hindering their ability to contest assessments.

4. Misleading communications about interior inspections, causing property owners to misunderstand their rights.

5. Insufficient time provided for appeals due to delayed notices.

6. Incorrect tax assessments leading to undue financial strain on property owners.

The ruling is significant for Jackson County taxpayers, allowing them to pursue civil court actions and seek refunds for the excessive taxes paid due to the incorrect assessments.

This outcome underscores the importance of government accountability, ensuring that Missouri property owners receive fair treatment under the law. The Attorney General's Office reaffirms its commitment to protecting taxpayers from unlawful taxation.

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