Budget & Taxes (Sales Tax · Seniors)

HB 2734 is a proposed bill that would allow counties or cities to levy a property tax (up to 10 cents per $100 assessed value) for senior services, subject to voter approval via a ballot question. If approved, the tax revenue would fund a dedicated "Senior Citizens' Services Fund" managed by a locally appointed board of directors, which must use the money exclusively for programs improving health, nutrition, and quality of life for residents aged 60 and older. The bill requires the board to seek accreditation from a statewide nonprofit organization and pay an annual fee of 1% of fund revenue, while prohibiting fund use for political purposes. This proposal directly affects local governments, taxpayers, and seniors aged 60+ in communities adopting the tax.

SB 1493 would allow counties in the state to levy a local sales tax specifically to fund senior services, such as meal programs, transportation, or adult day care. It directly affects counties (which could choose to implement the tax) and seniors (who would receive services funded by the tax). The key provision is creating a legal mechanism for counties to collect this dedicated sales tax, with revenue directed toward local senior care initiatives. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee and has not yet been enacted into law.

HJR 179 proposes a constitutional amendment that would exempt Missouri residents aged 65 or older from paying state and local taxes on their tangible personal property, such as vehicles, furniture, and other movable belongings. The amendment would also include existing exemptions for homesteads, manufacturers' inventories, and non-profit properties, but the primary focus is on seniors. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election or a special election, this exemption would take effect immediately for qualifying individuals. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval to become law and does not change current tax rates for other property types.

HB 3143 allows counties to propose a local sales tax of up to 0.25% on everyday purchases, but only after voters approve it in an election. If approved, the tax revenue must be used exclusively for senior citizen services, such as meals, transportation, or wellness programs, and cannot fund other county expenses. The tax would be collected separately from other sales taxes, administered by the state revenue department, and deposited into a dedicated "Senior Services Sales Tax Trust Fund." Counties must submit the tax proposal to voters via a specific ballot question asking if they support the tax for senior services.

HJR 126 proposes a constitutional amendment that would reduce property tax assessments for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners by 50%. It applies to residential property owned by individuals aged 65+ or permanently disabled under federal/state law, with income under $50,000 (single) or $75,000 (married filing jointly) in the prior tax year. Starting January 1, 2027, such properties would be assessed at 50% of their standard value instead of full value. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 election to take effect.