Senator Tony Luetkemeyer’s Bill Provides Tax Relief to Seniors

JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, to freeze property taxes for Missouri seniors and exempt Social Security benefits from state income tax has passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration. Senate Bill 190 would authorize a tax credit to seniors to offset increased tax liability for residential property imposed after the taxpayer became eligible for Social Security benefits.

“This legislation targets two unfair tax burdens Missouri seniors face,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “On the one hand Senate Bill 190 will protect seniors from crippling property tax increases, but it also ends the practice of taxing Social Security benefits.”

Missouri is one of only 11 states that currently taxes Social Security. Senator Luetkemeyer first took up the cause of rising assessments in 2019, when some residents of his district saw dramatic increases in property valuations. During the 2020 legislative session, Sen. Luetkemeyer successfully advanced legislation requiring physical inspections before large increases could be imposed, ensuring property owners have sufficient time to appeal assessment increases.

For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit www.senate.mo.gov/mem34.