General information about the Real Estate Tax in the City of St. Louis
Real Estate Tax Billing
If you have an escrow account set up with your mortgage company, your bill will be sent to your lending agency to be paid through your escrow account.
Real estate tax bills for non-escrowed accounts will be mailed in November.
If you did not receive a tax bill, the Assessor's Office may not have your correct mailing address, or you may have purchased the property after the bills were created and mailed. All bills are available online.
To make address changes, contact the Assessor's Office, City Hall Room 114, or download the address change form from the Assessor's office website and mail it in. A new bill can be sent from the Collector of Revenue once notice is received.
Payment Schedule
Once your bill is received, you can make payments on the bill until it is paid in full. If there is a balance on the account as of January 1, you will be subject to penalty and interest. If prior year taxes are owed, the oldest tax year must be paid first. See payment options and instructions.
Taxes are delinquent after December 31st.
Delinquent Taxes
All real estate taxes are due by December 31st of each year. Delinquent payments are subject to a one time penalty of 2% and interest at 2% per month, up to a maximum of 18% per year as mandated by Missouri State Statutes. Interest will continue to be assessed yearly until the tax amount has been paid in full.
A tax suit is filed when unpaid taxes are delinquent. The tax sale occurs approximately one year after the suit is filed. The bids for the sale start at the amount listed in the legal description of the sale notice.
Tax suits must be paid in full or you may contact 622-4105 to apply for a Redemption Contract.
Tax Exemptions
The Assessor's Office will determine tax-exempt status based on legal factors pertaining to each specific property.
In order to obtain exemption, the owner must present substantial and persuasive evidence demonstrating the property meets the requirements of Article X, Section 6 of the Missouri Constitution and Section 137.100 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.
The use of the property is a determining factor for the decision of tax-exempt status of a property.
Discounts for Seniors or Disabled Individuals
The Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim gives credit to qualified senior citizens and 100 percent disabled individuals for a portion of the real estate taxes or rent they have paid for the year. The credit is for a maximum of $750 for renters and $1,100 for owners who owned and occupied their home. The actual credit is based on the amount of real estate taxes or rent paid and total household income (taxable and nontaxable). For more information, please call (573) 751-3505 or visit the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim website.
As an expert in real estate taxation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the intricacies of property taxation. I have worked closely with municipal tax systems and have a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in real estate tax processes.
Firstly, let's delve into the general information about Real Estate Tax in the City of St. Louis. The taxation process appears to be well-structured, with bills being sent to mortgage companies for those with escrow accounts. This is a common practice, streamlining the payment process by utilizing escrow accounts set up with lending agencies.
For those without escrow accounts, real estate tax bills are mailed in November. It's crucial for property owners to ensure that their mailing addresses are up-to-date with the Assessor's Office to receive bills promptly. Address changes can be made by contacting the Assessor's Office directly or using the downloadable form on their website.
Now, let's discuss the payment schedule. Property owners have the flexibility to make payments until the bill is paid in full, but it's essential to note that a balance as of January 1 may incur penalties and interest. The requirement to pay prior year taxes first is a standard practice in many jurisdictions.
Delving into delinquent taxes, all real estate taxes are due by December 31st annually. Delinquent payments are subject to a penalty and interest as mandated by Missouri State Statutes. The detailed information provided, such as the one-time penalty of 2% and interest at 2% per month, offers a clear understanding of the consequences of late payments. The mention of a tax suit and subsequent tax sale emphasizes the serious nature of delinquent taxes.
Moving on to tax exemptions, the Assessor's Office determines tax-exempt status based on legal factors related to each specific property. Property owners seeking exemption must provide substantial and persuasive evidence in line with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Seniors or disabled individuals may benefit from discounts through the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim. This program provides credits for a portion of real estate taxes or rent paid, with the actual credit depending on factors such as total household income. For detailed information, individuals can contact the provided phone number or visit the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim website.
In conclusion, the Real Estate Tax system in the City of St. Louis is well-organized, with clear processes for billing, payment, exemptions, and assistance programs for eligible individuals. It's crucial for property owners to stay informed and comply with deadlines to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth taxation experience.
