Q: When are property taxes due in Ste. Genevieve County?
A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by December 31, 2025. If you haven't received your tax bill by December 1st, contact the Collector's Office at (573) 883-5492, option 5.
Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application?
A: Missouri offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit, Senior Citizens Credit, and Disabled Veterans Credit. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. Contact the County Assessor's office for applications and deadlines.
Q: How does the Homestead Credit work?
A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but instead caps annual assessment increases to protect against rapid property value growth. You must apply annually, and it typically limits assessment growth to 2% per year for qualified owner-occupied residences.
Q: How often are properties reassessed in Ste. Genevieve County?
A: Missouri law requires properties to be reassessed every two years. The most recent reassessment year was 2025, with the next scheduled for 2027. You can appeal your assessment within 30 days of receiving your notice.
Q: What are the penalties for late payment?
A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may be subject to tax certificate sale. Contact the Collector's Office immediately if you cannot pay by the due date to discuss payment options.
Q: Can I pay property taxes online?
A: Contact the Ste. Genevieve County Collector's Office at (573) 883-5492, option 5, to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for your property tax bill.
Q: Why did my tax bill increase when the county rate decreased?
A: Even when tax rates decrease, your bill may increase due to higher assessed values from reassessment, new special district levies, or loss of previously applied tax credits. Your total bill depends on both the tax rate and your property's assessed value.
Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill?
A: Your property may be subject to multiple taxing districts (school, fire, ambulance, municipal) beyond the base county rate. Properties in different areas of the county will have different total rates depending on which districts serve that area. Contact the Assessor's office to determine which districts apply to your property.