Save Big: St. Louis Senior Tax Freeze Deadline Extended!

Written by David Dodge  

If you’re a senior living in St. Louis, Missouri, and worried about rising property taxes making it harder to stay in your home, there’s good news. The city has extended the deadline for its Senior Property Tax Freeze program to July 31, 2025. This program is designed to help older adults keep their city property taxes steady, even as home values go up. The extension comes after a tornado hit St. Louis on May 16, 2025, causing damage and disruption for many residents. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this program in simple terms, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What is the Senior Property Tax Freeze Program?

The Senior Property Tax Freeze is a special program created in 2023 by Missouri lawmakers and the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. Its goal is to help seniors on fixed incomes stay in their homes by preventing their city property taxes from increasing. Here’s how it works: if you qualify, the amount you pay in city property taxes on your home stays the same, even if your home’s value goes up. This can save you money and provide peace of mind, especially if you’re worried about rising costs.

For example, if your home’s value increases because the housing market is booming, your city property tax bill won’t go up. This freeze only applies to city property taxes, not other taxes like those for schools, libraries, or the zoo district. It’s a way to make sure seniors can afford to stay in their homes without unexpected tax hikes.

Why Did the City Extend the Deadline?

Normally, you can apply for the Senior Property Tax Freeze between March 1 and June 30 each year. But this year, a tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, damaging homes and making it harder for some people to apply on time. To help those affected, the city decided to give everyone extra time, moving the deadline to July 31, 2025. This extension gives seniors more time to gather their paperwork and apply, especially if they’ve been dealing with storm-related challenges.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen also passed a rule to help tornado victims by adjusting property taxes for homes that were damaged and are no longer livable. This means if your home was affected by the storm, you won’t be taxed as if it’s still in perfect condition, which is another way the city is trying to support residents.

Who Can Apply for the Program?

To qualify for the Senior Property Tax Freeze, you need to meet a few requirements. Don’t worry—these are straightforward, and we’ll break them down for you:

• Age: You must be 62 years old or older by December 31, 2025. If your birthday is later in the year, you still qualify as long as you’ll be 62 by the end of 2025.
• Homeownership: You must own the home and live in it as your primary residence. This means it’s the place where you live most of the time, not a vacation home or rental property. The home must be within St. Louis city limits.
• Home Value: The market value of your home must be $514,500 or less. The St. Louis City Assessor’s Office can tell you your home’s market value if you’re unsure.
• Paid Taxes: All your previous property taxes must be paid in full. If you owe taxes from past years, you’ll need to clear those up before applying.

If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to apply! The program is open to both new applicants and people who have applied in previous years. Even if you’ve been part of the program before, you need to submit a new application each year.

What Taxes Are Covered?

It’s important to understand that this program only freezes city property taxes. These are the taxes you pay to the City of St. Louis for owning your home. Other taxes, like those for local schools, public libraries, or the zoo district, are not included in the freeze. So, while your city property taxes will stay the same, you’ll still need to pay these other taxes as usual.

How to Apply for the Tax Freeze

Applying for the Senior Property Tax Freeze is simple, but you’ll need to act before the July 31, 2025, deadline. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Make sure you meet the requirements listed above (age, homeownership, home value, and paid taxes).
2. Gather Documents: You’ll likely need proof of your age (like a driver’s license or birth certificate), proof that you own and live in the home (like a property deed or utility bill), and confirmation that your past taxes are paid. The St. Louis City Assessor’s Office can provide a list of exactly what you need.
3. Submit Your Application: You can apply through the St. Louis City Assessor’s Office. They accept applications in person, by mail, or possibly online—check their website for details. Visit stlouis-mo.gov for forms and instructions.
4. Ask for Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, you can call or visit the Assessor’s Office. They’re there to help you through the steps.

Why This Program Matters for Seniors

As home values in St. Louis rise, property taxes can become a big burden for seniors, especially those living on fixed incomes like Social Security or pensions. The Senior Property Tax Freeze helps by locking in your city property taxes, so you don’t have to worry about paying more if your home’s value increases. This program can make it easier to budget and stay in the home you love.

The tornado on May 16, 2025, showed how unexpected events can make life harder. By extending the application deadline and offering tax relief for storm-damaged properties, St. Louis is working to support its senior residents during tough times.

Tips for Seniors Applying

• Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Gathering documents and filling out forms can take time, so start as soon as you can.
• Double-Check Your Taxes: Make sure all your past property taxes are paid. If you’re not sure, contact the Assessor’s Office to confirm.
• Get Help if You Need It: If you’re not comfortable with paperwork or have questions, ask a family member, friend, or the Assessor’s Office for help.
• Keep Records: Save copies of your application and any documents you submit, just in case you need them later.

Where to Get More Information

For everything you need to know about the Senior Property Tax Freeze, visit the St. Louis City Assessor’s Office website. You can find application forms, FAQs, and contact information there. If you prefer to talk to someone, call or visit the Assessor’s Office—they’re happy to assist.

This program is a great opportunity for St. Louis seniors to save money and stay in their homes. Don’t miss out—apply by July 31, 2025!

Ready to Buy or Sell in St. Louis? House Sold Easy Has You Covered!

Navigating St. Louis’ red-hot luxury market doesn’t have to be a headache. With House Sold Easy, it’s all about less hassle—we’ve got you covered from start to finish. Our St. Louis experts know every corner of this city and will make buying your dream home or selling your high-end property a breeze. Don’t miss out on the hottest market in the U.S.! Contact House Sold Easy today and let’s make your real estate goals happen!