Understanding taxes in Jackson County, MO, can help you plan your finances and avoid surprises throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of the key taxes - personal property tax, real property tax, and sales tax - to give you a clear picture of what to expect and how to manage your obligations.
Feel free to use the reference guide below to jump to the parts that most interest you.
Table of Contents
(click any section)
Jackson County Personal Property Tax
Personal property tax in Jackson County applies to items like vehicles, boats, trailers, RV's, motorcycles, and other tangible personal property you own as of January 1 each year. Residents are required to declare their personal property annually to the Jackson County Assessment Department.
How It Works: The tax amount is based on the assessed value of your personal property, which is calculated as a percentage of its market value.
Payment Deadlines: Tax bills are mailed in November, and payments are due by December 31 each year.
Penalties: Late payments incur penalties, so timely filing and payment are essential.
The USPS postmark determines the timeliness of payment, so a payment postmarked on December 30 is considered paid on time—even if the Collector's Office does not receive it until January!
Helpful Resource: Jackson County Personal Property Tax Information
Tip: New residents or property owners should file a personal property declaration as soon as possible to avoid issues. You can do this online or in person at the Jackson County Assessment Department.
Jackson County Real Property Tax
Property tax in Jackson County applies to real estate, including land, homes, and commercial properties. This tax is a primary source of funding for local services like schools, roads, and emergency services.
- How It Works: Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the property's assessed value (19% of market value for residential properties) by the local tax rate, which varies by location.
- Tax Bills: Tax bills are sent out annually in November, with a December 31 payment deadline.
- Where Taxes Go: A portion of your property taxes funds public schools, libraries, and city or county services.
Helpful Resource: Jackson County Real Estate Tax Information
Tip: If you have a mortgage, your property taxes are often included in your escrow payments, so check with your lender to confirm.
Jackson County Senior Property Tax Credit Program
This new program (2024) allows Lee’s Summit taxpayers 62 or older to receive a credit on future years' tax bills that essentially freezes their property taxes on their primary residence to the tax bill amount from the year of application/eligibility. The year of application and eligibility establishes the base tax year amount, and credits appear in the years following.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Jackson County resident.
- Must be 62 years of age or older.
- The property owner must have a legal or equitable interest in the home.
- Must be liable for the payment of real property taxes on the home.
- Must occupy the property as their only primary residence.
How It Works
Prove your eligibility with the following:
- Proof of Jackson County Primary Residency: Driver's license, voter registration card, utility bill, etc.
- Proof of age 62 or older: Any government-issued I.D. with date of birth, including driver's license, military I.D., birth certificate, etc.
- Proof of Interest: If the applicant is not on the deed, documentation proving legal interest in the property, such as a trust or operation agreement, is required.
Fill out an application and submit it via website, in-person or email by December 31.
Website: Fill out the online application and submit it directly to the Jackson County Tax Office.
In Person: Print and fill out the paper application and submit it in person or place in exterior drop boxes at either Collection Department office location:
- Jackson County Courthouse: 415 E. 12th St., Suite #100, Kansas City, MO 64106
- Historic Truman Courthouse: 112 W. Lexington Ave. Suite #114, Independence, MO 64050.
Email: The application form and supporting documentation may be emailed to SeniorApplication@jacksongov.org
Jackson County Sales Tax
Sales tax in Jackson County is a tax on goods and certain services. It includes state, county, and municipal rates, which can vary depending on where you make purchases.
- Base Rate: Missouri’s state sales tax rate is 4.225%.
- Jackson County Rate: The county adds an additional 1.38%.
- City Taxes: Cities within Jackson County may impose their own rates. For example, Kansas City’s total sales tax rate (including state and county taxes) is 9.13%, while Lee’s Summit is 8.49%.
- Special Districts: Certain areas may have additional sales tax for transportation or improvement districts.
Helpful Resource: Missouri Sales Tax Information
Tip: When budgeting for large purchases, be aware of the total sales tax rate in the city or district where you’re shopping.
Suggestions to Manage Your Tax Obligations
One surprise about moving to Missouri was how the local taxes worked - we moved from a state that did not have either sales or personal property taxes! Looking back, here are a few things I would have done differently or paid more attention to had I known.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your personal property declaration and tax deadlines to avoid penalties.
- Review Assessments: For property tax, review your property’s assessed value. You can appeal it through the Jackson County Assessment Department if you believe it's inaccurate.
- Take Advantage of Online Tools: Use the Jackson County website to pay taxes, file declarations, and search for tax records.
- Helpful Resource: Jackson County Online Payment Portal
- Budget for Sales Tax: When planning purchases, factor in your city's applicable sales tax rate.
Need Help?
Navigating taxes can be confusing, but staying informed and proactive is key. For more information or assistance:
- Visit the Jackson County Tax Website
- Contact the Jackson County Assessment Department for personal property and real estate questions:
- Email: assessment@jacksongov.org
- Phone: (816) 881-3530
Individual Personal Property:
Truman Courthouse
112 W. Lexington
1st Floor
Independence, MO 64050
Real Property, Customer Service & Business Personal Property:
1300 Washington St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
For sales tax details, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue.
If you have questions about how taxes might impact your home buying or selling plans, contact Great Missouri Homes at 816-328-2887. We’re here to help you make sense of it all and refer you to tax professionals and attorneys as needed to guide you toward smart decisions for your financial future!
Hi! I'm Merla Turner, owner of Great Missouri Homes and a local Kansas City area Realtor. Thank you for reading this article. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, call me at 816-328-2887 or fill out the contact form below, I am here for you. And remember - when it's your turn to buy or sell real estate, turn to Merla Turner!
Questions? Contact Great Missouri Homes:
Posted by Merla Turner on
Leave A Comment