Jefferson County Assessment Information

Assessor Seal
TERRY L. ROESCH
ASSESSOR

Jefferson County
Department of County Assessor
Assessment Information

How is my real estate value determined?

Jefferson County, as with most counties in Missouri, primarily values real estate for tax purposes using mass appraisal methodology. This method first determines the current replacement cost of all improvements, less any depreciation of those improvements. The depreciated value of these improvements is added to the value of the land to determine the fair market value of the property. The mass appraisal method is recognized as being one of the most efficient and fair methods of valuing many properties over a wide area.

When is my property reassessed?

State law requires all real property to be reassessed each odd numbered year. Reassessment does not necessarily mean the value of property will increase or decrease. Information and data pertaining to real estate values and costs are collected by the Assessor’s Office. Analysis and studies are performed to determine how the real estate market has changed and how it has affected assessed values. The conclusions determined from the data collected are used to determine if any changes are made to real estate values of the current reassessment year.

What is market value and assessed value?

A simple definition of market value is the price the property would bring when offered for sale by a person who is willing but not obligated to sell it, and is bought by a person who is willing to purchase it but who is not forced to do so. Assessed value is a percentage of the market value based upon the classification, which is determined by the type of property or how it is used. By state statute the Missouri Legislature has set three classifications of real property and the assessment level for each. The classifications and assessment levels for each are: Commercial real property at 32%, Residential real property at 19% and Agricultural real property at 12%. An example to determine assessed value would be as follows: $100,000 market value x 19% residential assessment level = $19,000 assessed value.

For example:

$100,000 market value X 19% residential assessment level = $ 19,000 assessed value

Why would my assessment or taxes increase?

There are several factors that can affect the assessed value or taxes other than reassessment. Some of the things that could affect the assessed value are: physical changes to the property such as an addition or other new construction, the previous value may have been a prorated value based upon the date of occupancy and the new value reflects the full year value or additional acreage may have been added to the real estate parcel.

The actual tax amount may also change from year to year without any change to your assessed value. The tax rate applicable to your property may change, thus resulting in a change to your tax amount. Your tax rate is determined by a combination of levies for the school, fire, ambulance and other taxing entities that apply to your property. These levies can be changed by either the entities or by voter approval. If the tax rate increases then your taxes may increase with no change to your assessed value.

Is there an appeal process?

If you feel the Assessor’s value does not reflect the fair market value of your property first call the Assessor’s Office. They will review the information in your file with you and examine any information pertaining to the value you wish to present. After discussing the value of your property with the Assessor’s Office and you are not satisfied, you can file an appeal before the Board of Equalization (BOE). The appeal must be filed before the second Monday in July of each year. To file an appeal you must contact the County Clerk’s Office at (636) 797-5478.

If you are not satisfied with the Board of Equalization decision you may further appeal to the Missouri State Tax Commission. Information will be provided to you by the County Clerk’s Office

Is there any tax relief available?

Senior Citizen / Disabled Citizen Property Tax Relief

Currently there is a program in place to assist senior citizens with real estate property taxes. The state of Missouri administers the program. Read the qualifications below carefully to determine if you qualify.

Senior Citizens / Disabled Citizen Property Tax Relief
MISSOURI PROPERTY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM (MO-PTC)

The Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim gives credit to certain senior citizens and 100 percent diabled individuals for a portion of the real estate taxes or rent they have paid for one year.

MISSOURI PROPERTY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM (MO-PTC)
You may qualify for a refund from the State of Missouri up to $1,100 if you are:

Age 65 on or before December 31, 2010 OR
You or your spouse is 100% disabled OR
An individual age 60 or older who is receiving surviving spouse social security benefits AND
You or your spouse were Missouri residents for the entire calendar year AND
Your total household income, including social security benefits, does not exceed $30,000 for single individuals, or $34,000 for married homeowners AND
You paid real estate taxes or rent on the home or manufactured home you occupied in 2010.
If you own a mobile home or own more then five acres you will need an Assessor's Certification form(948). You may call the Assessor's Office: 636-797-5466 to request this form.

For more information about the program you can call the Missouri Department of Revenue: 573-751-3505 or the Mid East Area on Aging: 1-800-243-6060


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