Missouri Tax Credit Programs

You may qualify for one of these programs, but not both.

Missouri Property Tax Credit Program

Did you know you may qualify for a REFUND of up to $750 if you or your spouse meet one of the following qualifications?

·         Claimant or spouse must be 65 years of age or older on or before the last day of the calendar year and a resident of Missouri for the entire year;

·         Claimant or spouse is a veteran of any branch of the armed forces of the United States, or this state and is 100 percent disabled as a result of such service;

·         Claimant or spouse is 100 percent disabled; or

·         Claimant has reached age 60 on or before the last day of the calendar year and is receiving surviving spouse social security benefits.

AND your TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME, including social security benefits follows these guidelines:

Tax Year 2008

Renters/Part Year Owners:

·         If single, your total household income must be $27,500 or less.

·         If married filing combined, your total household income must be $29,500 or less.

Owned and Occupied your home the entire year:

·         If single, your total household income must be $30,000 or less.

·         If married filing combined, your total household income must be $34,000 or less.

Tax Years 2005–2007

• Total household income must be $25,000 or less if filing single or $27,000 if married filing combined.
• Note: A 2005 claim must be filed by April 15, 2009, or a refund will not be issued.

Filing early (before April) ensures quicker refund!

To order Form MO-PTC, Property Tax Credit Claim, call (800) 877-6881 or download the form from the Missouri Department of Revenue: Property Tax Credit Claim. For more information, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at (573) 751-5746.

Frequently asked questions and answers can also be found by visiting the DOR Web site: http://www.dor.mo.gov/tax/personal/faq/ptc.htm.

The Cass County Council on Aging is a good resource for seniors who need help with the tax credit forms or need additional help in understanding how it works. The Cass County office can be reached at the following address:

Cass County Council on Aging

2400 S Jefferson Pkwy
Harrisonville, MO 64701 (816) 884-4135

Homestead Preservation Act

Background Information:
The Homestead Preservation Act (SB 730) allows qualified senior citizens and 100 percent disabled individuals to apply for a credit on their real estate property tax if those taxes increase more than 2.5 percent in a non-reassessment year or 5 percent in reassessment year. The credit would be for the amount that exceeds the 2.5 or 5 percent increase in taxes. The act requires a legislative appropriation to fund the credit. If funding for the credit is less than 100 percent, the credit will be a flat statewide percentage based on the appropriated amount. This credit will be applied against the taxes for the following year.

Important Notes:

• Beginning in 2007, applicants must apply in each year they are eligible.
• Eligible taxpayers can apply for only one of the two tax assistance programs administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. You cannot receive valid credits for both the Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker Program) or the Homestead Preservation Credit in the same year.
• Homestead Preservation Credits are subject to funds being appropriated for the program each year.

You may be eligible to receive a Homestead Preservation Credit on your Cass County real estate taxes if:

• You did not receive a valid 2009 Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker Program), AND
• You or your spouse are the owner of record of the homestead property for the prior three years (2007, 2008, and 2009), AND
• If single or married and filing jointly, the federal adjusted gross income may not exceed $77,323, AND
• Your real estate taxes (including mobile homes) increased more than 5 percent in 2009, AND
• If single, you were 65 years of age or older on or before January 1, 2010. If married, one spouse must be 65 years of age or older on or before January 1, 2010, and the other spouse must be at least 60 years of age on or before January 1, 2010, OR
• You or your spouse is 100 percent disabled.

How to file for the Homestead Preservation Credit:

• 2010 Homestead Preservation Credit applications must be postmarked between APRIL 1 and OCTOBER 15, 2010.
• Applications may be downloaded or printed from the Missouri Department of Revenue's web site, or by calling (800) 877-6881, or in writing to MO DOR, Taxation Bureau, P.O. Box 3022, Jefferson City, MO 65105-3022.
  • Instructions on filling out the applications may also be downloaded.
• The Cass County Collector's Office also has 2010 applications available at the office that you may pick up.
• The following items should be attached to your completed Homestead Preservation Credit application (Form HPC):
  • Verification that you or your spouse are 100 percent disabled, if applicable. Either attach a copy of the letter from Department of Veterans Affairs or from the Social Security Administration.
  • If you did not file a 2009 Missouri Individual Income Tax Return, attach a copy of your 2009 federal income tax return, page 1 and 2. Refer to the application instructions if you were not required to file either return.
  • Form 948, Assessor's Certification for 2008 and 2009 if the property is more than 5 acres or it is a mobile home.
  • Paid Cass County real estate tax receipts for 2007, 2008, and 2009. Or, paid personal property tax receipts for your mobile home. Copies of receipts may be obtained from the Cass County collector's office.
• Sign and date the completed application. Both spouses must sign if filing combined.
• Mail the completed forms and all necessary attachments to:

Department of Revenue

P.O. Box 478

Jefferson City, MO 65105-0478

• Failure to follow the instructions provided with the application or to attach the required documentation may result in the application and credit being denied.

The DOR provides answers to frequently asked questions on their Web site. Visit the Department of Revenue for more information regarding the Homestead Preservation Credit program