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Missouri · How-To Guide

How do I pay my property taxes?

County Collector (county level - each of Missouri's 114 counties); City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue (for independent City of St. Louis)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Locate your tax bill: Missouri property tax bills are prepared by the County Collector and typically mailed in October-November each year
  2. Review your bill for the correct amount, parcel number, and due date
  3. Choose your payment method: in person at the County Collector's office, by mail, or online through your county's payment portal
  4. Pay by December 31 (the standard Missouri property tax due date):
  5. DUE DATE: December 31 (taxes become delinquent January 1 of the following year)
  6. PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES also due December 31 - Missouri levies personal property taxes on vehicles, boats, and some business equipment; pay at the same County Collector's office
  7. Retain receipt; personal property tax receipt required to renew vehicle registration with the DMV
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Property tax bill or parcel number
  • Payment (cash, check, money order, or card - varies by county; most counties offer online payment)
Online Option
Most Missouri counties and City of St. Louis offer online payment; search "[County Name] County Collector Missouri property tax payment online"
Where to Go
County Collector (NOT County Assessor or Treasurer); City of St. Louis: Collector of Revenue
County-specific variations apply

Missouri's 114 counties plus City of St. Louis each have their own Collector office. Jackson County (Kansas City), St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Greene County (Springfield), and Clay County have the most developed online payment systems. Most rural Missouri counties also have online payment. NOTE: Missouri PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES (on cars, trucks, boats, etc.) are also due December 31 and are required to renew your vehicle license plates - keeping up to date is critical.

Missouri Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Missouri December 31 due date is later than most states (giving more time to pay).
  • Missouri levies PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES on vehicles, business equipment, and other personal property - this is separate from real estate taxes but collected by the same County Collector; personal property tax receipt is REQUIRED for Missouri vehicle registration renewal.
  • ASSESSMENT: Missouri assesses real property at 19% of true value (residential); commercial 32%; agricultural 12%. This assessed value × millage rate = tax bill.
  • BIENNIAL REASSESSMENT: Missouri reassesses all real property every 2 years (odd years); property owners may receive a new Notice of Assessed Value in odd-numbered years.
  • KEY EXEMPTIONS (apply through County Assessor):
  • Homestead Preservation Tax Credit: for qualifying lower-income homeowners; file with Missouri DOR (Form MO-PTC) - significant for seniors and disabled
  • Property Tax Credit for Seniors and Disabled: qualifying homeowners and renters 65+, disabled, or 100% disabled veterans; file with state DOR; "Circuit Breaker" credit
  • 100% Disabled Veterans: property tax exemption
  • No state property tax in Missouri - all property taxes are local (county, city, school district, etc.).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Missouri State Tax Commission - stc.mo.gov | (573) 751-2414; County Collector (varies by county); City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue: collectstl.com