2026 Senior Property Tax Relief Enrollment Period Open

The application and renewal period for the Clay County Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program is now open for 2026, with applications accepted from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. The program, implemented under Missouri Senate Bill 190 (SB190), aims to help eligible seniors manage rising property tax costs by "freezing" the real estate tax amount based on a "base year".

The Senior Property Tax Relief program provides a property tax credit that essentially freezes the real estate tax at a base year level, so participants do not pay increases in future years as long as they remain eligible. It is important to note that while the real estate tax credit covers increases due to rising property values, homeowners are still responsible for any new taxes or rate increases added by various taxing entities, such as debt service and the state blind pension levy.

Eligibility requirements include:

Being a Clay County citizen aged 62 or older, or turning 62 during the calendar year of application.

Owning and occupying the home as their primary residence.

Being responsible for paying real estate taxes on the property.

The program does not have a household income limit.

Seniors can apply or renew their enrollment online or in person. An annual affidavit is required to confirm continued eligibility:

Online: Visit the dedicated county website at https://www.claycountymo.gov/sb190 to find application and renewal forms.

In-Person: Paper forms are available, and staff are available at the Liberty or Gladstone offices to assist. The website also lists off-site application events.

Required documentation for the initial application includes a valid US government-issued photo ID and proof of all taxes paid.

Due to initial delays in the program's first year, the payment deadline for all Clay County real estate and personal property tax bills for enrolled participants was recently extended to January 30, 2026. No penalties or interest will be assessed for payments made by this extended deadline.

For parcels enrolled in the SB190 program, payments must currently be made by check, cashier's check, or money order; online payment options are not yet available for these specific bills. All other tax bills, including commercial and personal property, can be paid online.

County officials have emphasized their commitment to residents' patience as they navigate the implementation of this new program. For the latest updates, residents are encouraged to monitor the official county website or their social media channels.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.