Property Tax Trial, State Legislation, Upcoming Assessments & More...
Jackson County vs. Missouri State Tax Commission
Judge Cook heard arguments from Jackson County and the Missouri State Tax Commission (STC) on January 21st, 22nd and 23rd. The majority of the county's argument emphasizes the STC's lack of professional experience in appraisals and the overall authority of the commission to issue rollback orders in regards to Real Market Value. It is notable that the County's Deputy Assessor took the stand to represent the county. Multiple times she relied on phrases about the county conducting "parcel by parcel reviews" and seemed careful to avoid verbiage like 'inspections' which is a pillar of the STC's argument and original order. The State Tax Commission stresses that the county failed to provide adequate notice to taxpayers per state law including property notices meeting mandatory deadlines. The STC also illustrated that the county failed to complete adequate property inspections on all 300,000 parcels. An important highlight is that for the first time it was testified in court that the County Assessor did not allow the Board of Equalization to operate completely independently from the Assessment Department, another violation. The judge has taken all arguments into careful consideration and has called for a "post-trial" meeting on February 17th, afterward the court decision is expected. Many who have been closely involved with the assessment speculate that regardless of the outcome, there will be an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.
Case Number 2416-CV25478
Upcoming Legislation in the Missouri Session
Is 2025 the year for "tax reform" for Missouri lawmakers?
Potential Legislation regarding Property Assessments:
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HB 999 would allow the Missouri State Tax Commission (STC) to withhold county revenue should a county fail to comply with a legal ordered issued on behalf of the STC.
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HJR 23 would amend the Missouri Constitution to require that all counties in the state have an elected assessor, including Jackson County.
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HJR 4 would amend the Missouri Constitution to implement a cap on Property Assessments.
- Legislator Smith is in favor of HJR 4
- For multiple years now, Representative Jeff Coleman has introduced this bill
CALL TO ACTION → We strongly encourage you to reach out to your State Representatives and ask them to SUPPORT the legislation listed above.
Personal Property Declarations are due before March 1st!
Personal Property taxes apply to vehicles and other "moveable possessions" like boats, livestock, trailers and farm equipment. The most common will be a taxpayer's vehicle.
Here's how to declare your personal property:
- Go to File Personal Property Declarations - Jackson County MO
- Choose "Individual Online Declaration" to reach the SmartFile site.
- Create an account if you don't already have one with your email address and password.
- Use the PIN number located on the left-hand side of your mailed property card to access your personal property account.
- Select and follow instructions to declare property.
- Submit declaration and save the confirmation page.
- If you own the same vehicle(s) and have no changes to personal property, you can click "Skip" to the signature page. Click Submit.
- Please note this is NOT through the PayIt system where you pay your bill (see link above in Step 1 to access the correct SmartFile site)
- If you have misplaced or do not have your property card and do not know your account's PIN number, you can contact the Assessment Department to get it. You can also email IPP@jacksongov.org and put "Need Pin" in the email subject line.
- You will need to have ready your title and registration to ensure the correct make, model and VIN numbers which can also be found on the receipt from the last time you renewed your license plate.
- A fee ranging from $15 - $105 may be impeded if declarations are not filed before the deadline. The department may waive that fee if declarations are completed before May 1st.
Missouri University Extension Program (MU Extension) to host Tax Workshops
Through VITA & TCE, free tax prep services will be available at Nutter Ivanhoe Center from February through April. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays each week constituents can schedule tax appointments from 9 am - 3 pm. Call 211 to schedule. Walk-Ins are only available depending on staff availability.
Eligibility: Annual income of $64,000 or less per year OR over the age of 60
3700 Woodland Avenue Kansas City Missouri 64109
Stay tuned for tax reform and taxpayer advocacy legislation at the county level
County legislators plan to address tax reform and taxpayer advocacy on a county level as well. The first item on this topic is reform related to Property Cards that is scheduled to be heard on Monday next week, February 3rd.
On Monday, February 3rd the Assessment Director is scheduled to present to the Legislature. Remember you can tune in and watch the meetings live, or watch the recording made available the day after the meeting ⇒ Here County Legislature meetings are weekly on Mondays at 3 PM and open to the public in person as well, though no form of public comment is permitted.
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