Authorizes a real property tax exemption for taxpayers sixty-five years of age or older who own a homestead

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Deanna Self

HB 3125 would create a real property tax exemption for Missouri homeowners aged 65+ who own and live in a qualifying homestead.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#elderly #housing #property #realandpersonal #taxationandrevenue-property

Summary of HB 3125 (2026) — Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 3125 proposes to establish a real property tax exemption for homeowners who are at least 65 years old and who own and occupy a qualifying homestead. The bill aims to reduce property tax burdens for senior homeowners by exempting a portion of the assessed value from taxation, thereby increasing predictable, long-term housing stability for older residents.

Key provisions and changes

Eligibility: Homeowners must be at least 65 years old and own a homestead in which they reside.

Tax exemption: The bill creates a real property tax exemption tied to the homestead. Details (such as the amount or percentage exempted, and any caps, phase-ins, or income-based limits) are not specified in the provided text; these would be defined in the enacted language or implementing regulations.

Applicability: The exemption would apply to real property taxes assessed on the eligible homesteads of qualifying seniors.

Administration: The bill would establish the process for applying for the exemption, including any required documentation and timelines for determining eligibility and awarding the exemption.

Relationship to existing programs: The measure appears to create a new exemption program or significantly expand a current senior exemption framework, potentially interacting with local assessor offices and property tax circuits for processing and enforcement.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: Missouri homeowners aged 65 and older who own and live in a qualifying homestead and meet any additional eligibility criteria established in the final language.

Secondary effects: Local assessors and county collectors (or equivalent tax authorities) would administer the exemption, verify ages and residency, process applications, and adjust tax bills accordingly. Tax revenue at the local level could be affected depending on the exemption amount and the number of eligible properties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and first read: January 28, 2026.

Second reading: January 29, 2026.

Referral: May 15, 2026, to Emerging Issues (H) committee, indicating ongoing consideration of emerging or general policy implications.

Next steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in both chambers, followed by reconciliation with any Senate version and final approval before sending to the governor for signature or veto. Specific implementation timelines (e.g., effective date, tax year applicability) would be defined in the bill’s final language.

Additional notes

The bill lists Deanna Self as a co-sponsor.

The provided information does not include explicit numerical details (exemption amount, income limits, or sunset provisions). Readers should review the enrolled bill language or fiscal notes for precise figures and fiscal impact.

As with any property tax policy change, local implementation can vary; counties and municipalities would need guidance on application forms, verification procedures, and coordination with assessment rolls.

If you’d like, I can incorporate any available fiscal notes, amendments, or the enacted text to provide more precise dollar amounts and timelines.