Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Benton County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Benton County

Property taxes in Benton County are determined by the assessed value of your real estate and the combined tax rates of the local taxing districts. The process begins with the County Assessor, who determines the "market value" of your property. In Missouri, residential property is assessed at 19% of its true market value, while agricultural property is assessed at 12% and commercial property at 32%.

Once the assessed value is established, the tax amount is calculated by applying the local millage rate (or tax levy). These levies are set by various entities, including school districts, the county government, and fire districts, to fund public services. The formula used is: (Assessed Value / 100) x Total Tax Levy = Annual Tax Bill.

Available Exemptions

Missouri offers several programs to help reduce the tax burden for specific property owners. It is important to note that these are often state-regulated and require timely application with the County Assessor’s office.

• Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief: Missouri offers a "Circuit Breaker" tax credit for seniors (age 65+) and individuals with disabilities who meet specific income requirements. This is filed through state income tax returns rather than the county assessor.
• Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating may be eligible for specific property tax exemptions on their primary residence as dictated by state law.
• Homestead Exemption: While Missouri does not have a broad "homestead exemption" that shields a specific dollar amount of value from taxation, certain property tax freezes are available for seniors under the "Senior Property Tax Relief Credit" (SB 190), which allows eligible seniors to freeze their property tax liability at the amount paid in the year they became eligible.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Benton County are due annually. Tax statements are typically mailed in November, and the deadline for payment is December 31st of each year.

• Installment Options: Benton County generally requires payment in full by the end of the calendar year. Partial payments are usually not accepted unless specific arrangements are made for delinquent accounts.
• Late Penalties: If taxes are not paid by December 31st, they are considered delinquent. Interest and penalties begin to accrue on January 1st. Continued failure to pay can result in the property being placed on the delinquent tax sale list, which may eventually lead to foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate or higher than its fair market value, you have the right to appeal. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Informal Review: Contact the Benton County Assessor’s office to discuss your valuation and provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or sales data of comparable homes.
2. Board of Equalization: If the informal review does not resolve the issue, you may file a formal appeal with the Benton County Board of Equalization. This board hears evidence from both the taxpayer and the assessor.
3. State Tax Commission: Should you remain dissatisfied with the Board of Equalization’s decision, you may appeal to the Missouri State Tax Commission for a final administrative review.