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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jefferson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jefferson County, MO. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base county rate 0.0000 for 2025, total effective rates vary significantly by location due to multiple school districts, fire districts, and municipalities
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Jefferson County, Missouri are a primary funding source for essential local services including schools, county operations, parks, health services, and various municipal functions. The county uses an assessed value system where properties are typically assessed at a percentage of their market value, with residential properties generally assessed at 19% of true market value.

Jefferson County property tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to the presence of multiple special taxing districts, municipalities, and school districts. While the base Jefferson County revenue levy is 0.0000 for 2025, property owners also pay taxes to various combinations of school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and special service districts. Total effective tax rates typically range from approximately 0.8% to 1.4% of market value depending on your specific location and the taxing jurisdictions that serve your property.

The county reassesses properties in odd-numbered years, with personal property assessed annually on January 1st. Property owners receive tax bills that reflect the combined levies of all applicable taxing districts serving their specific location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following tax rates apply to levy year 2025 in Jefferson County:

ComponentRateDescription
Jefferson County Revenue0.0000Base county operations (no levy for 2025)
Jefferson County Parks0.0253County parks and recreation services
Jefferson County Health Unit0.0992Public health services
City of Arnold0.1744Municipal services (Arnold residents only)
City of Byrnes Mill0.3700Municipal services (Byrnes Mill residents only)
City of Crystal City0.7322Municipal services (Crystal City residents only)
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education (rates vary by district)
Fire Protection DistrictsVariesEmergency services (rates vary by district)

Note: Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within Jefferson County. Most properties are served by additional taxing districts not shown in this partial list, including school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and other special service districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jefferson County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Jefferson County are triggered when property undergoes changes that affect its assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they cover the period from when the change became effective until the end of the current tax year. The county assessor calculates the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental amount due.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and it increases your assessed value by $9,500 (19% assessment ratio), you would owe supplemental taxes on that $9,500 for the remaining 9.75 months of the tax year. At a 1.2% effective tax rate, this would result in approximately $93 in supplemental taxes ($9,500 × 0.012 × 0.8125).

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property taxes for Jefferson County, assuming a typical combination of taxing districts with an effective rate of approximately 1.1%:

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,140
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,860
  • Annual Tax (1.1% rate): $614
  • Monthly Payment: $51

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Senior/Disability Credit (if applicable): -$1,140
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,860
  • Annual Tax (1.1% rate): $1,241
  • Monthly Payment: $103

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applicable): -$750
  • Net Taxable Value: $189,250
  • Annual Tax (1.1% rate): $2,082
  • Monthly Payment: $174

Note: These examples use estimated rates. Actual rates vary by location within the county. All credits require separate applications and qualification criteria.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jefferson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account.

Property taxes are due by December 31st each year, and your lender will pay the bill directly from your escrow account when due. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting your monthly payment if necessary based on actual tax bills and assessment changes.

You can verify your property tax information through the Jefferson County Collector's office and should review your annual escrow statement to ensure accuracy. If you pay off your mortgage or switch to a loan without escrow, you become responsible for making tax payments directly to the county collector by the December 31st deadline.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Jefferson County? A: Real estate taxes are due by December 31st each year for the current levy year. Personal property taxes are also due by December 31st annually.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Several tax credits are available but require separate applications. The Homestead Preservation Credit helps seniors (65+) with household income under $70,000 and disabled individuals receiving Social Security by capping tax increases. Applications must be filed between January 1st and October 15th of the first year claimed.

Q: How does the Homestead Preservation Credit work? A: This credit limits tax increases rather than reducing your assessed value. It caps increases at 2.5% in non-reassessment years or 5% in reassessment years for qualified applicants. You must apply annually and meet income/age/disability requirements.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Jefferson County conducts general reassessments in odd-numbered years. Personal property is assessed annually on January 1st. The assessment list for personal property must be returned by May 1st.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Jefferson County Board of Equalization during the appeal period, typically in June following reassessment. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Jefferson County Collector's office at (636) 797-5486 for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Jefferson County Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Jefferson County? A: Your total tax rate depends on all taxing districts serving your property, including your school district, fire protection district, municipality (if applicable), and various special service districts. These combinations vary throughout the county.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Jefferson County Assessor for assessment questions or the County Collector at (636) 797-5486 for tax payment and billing questions. The offices are located at 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
COUNTY OF JEFFERSONjeffcomo.gov
02
County
Jefferson County Personal Property & Real Estate Taxeureka.mo.us
03
County
jefferson countyfestusmo.gov
04
County
Assessment Calendar | Jefferson County, MOjeffcomo.gov
05
County
Personal Property | Jefferson County, MOjeffcomo.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQjeffcomo.gov
07
Homestead exemptionsenate.mo.gov
08
Homestead - Missouri Senate - MO.govsenate.mo.gov
09
County
Tax Waiver | Jefferson County, MOjeffcomo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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