By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Legislation in Jefferson City would help seniors pay property taxes. Under the plan, if property taxes increase by more than 5%, seniors could apply to have the state pick up part of the tab (the part of the tax bill more than %5).
But the plan would only kick in when the state has enough money to help pay the taxes. The measure needs one more vote in the Senate before going to the House.
"It keeps their property taxes from going up by huge amounts," said Sen. Chuck Gross (R-St. Charles), the measure's sponsor. He called the provision a safety net for seniors.
The legislation also would give many homeonwers older than 62 the option of deferring all or part of their property taxes. Under that scenario, the state would pay the taxes on their behalf, then take out a lien on the home and collect the tab with interest when the person dies or sells the house.