Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Saint Louis City County

Property taxes in Saint Louis County are based on the assessed value of your real estate, which is a percentage of the fair market value determined by the St. Louis County Assessor. In Missouri, the assessment rate for residential property is typically 19% of the market value. Once the assessed value is established, the local taxing authorities apply a millage rate—a tax rate expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value).

Your total tax bill is the sum of taxes levied by various jurisdictions, including the county, the city, school districts, and special taxing districts. Because millage rates can fluctuate annually based on approved budgets and voter-approved levies, the total amount owed may change even if your property value remains stable.

Available Exemptions

Missouri offers several tax relief programs designed to lower the financial burden on eligible homeowners. To qualify for these benefits, property owners must typically file an application with the local assessor's office.

• Homestead Credit: Provides tax relief to low-income homeowners based on age or disability.
• Senior Citizen Relief: Homeowners aged 65 and older may qualify for specific credits or freezes on assessed valuations.
• Disability Exemptions: Residents with permanent total disabilities may be eligible for significant reductions in their tax liability.
• Veterans Exemptions: Specialized relief is available for disabled veterans or surviving spouses, depending on the level of service-connected disability.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Saint Louis County are generally billed annually, but the state allows for installment payments to make the cost more manageable. Tax bills are typically mailed in the latter half of the year.

• Deadlines: While specific dates vary by year, payments are generally due by December 31st to avoid interest.
• Installments: Homeowners may opt to pay in installments if they meet the requirements set by the Collector of Revenue.
• Late Consequences: Failure to pay by the deadline results in the accrual of delinquency interest and potential penalties. Persistent non-payment may eventually lead to a tax lien or a public tax sale of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal the assessment. The process begins with a formal request for review with the St. Louis County Board of Equalization (BOE).

To successfully appeal, homeowners should gather evidence such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties in the neighborhood, or documentation of structural damage that decreases the home's value. Appeals must be filed within a specific window—usually shortly after the assessment notice is mailed—to be considered for the current tax year.