How do my real estate and personal property assessments determine my tax bill?

The property tax in Missouri is “ad valorem,” meaning taxes are based on property value. The Assessor and Collector of Revenue have no authority or responsibility for establishing tax rates or budgets for political subdivisions.

Real estate and personal property tax bills are developed through three key components:

  1. The assessment authority (Assessor’s Office) is responsible for establishing the fair market value of all property within St. Charles County as of the tax date. This assures the tax burden is distributed fairly among those responsible for payment.
  2. The political subdivision/taxing authority (school, city, fire district, etc.) establishes the tax rate based on the budgetary requirements needed to appropriately fund the services provided within their jurisdiction.
  3. The collection authority (Collector’s Office) is responsible for collecting the amount of tax assigned to each property owner and disbursing it to the proper taxing authorities.

Show All Answers

1. Why is our property being reassessed?
2. I have not done anything to my property, so why is the value changing?
3. What is market value?
4. When was the last reassessment?
5. What are the basic data collection procedures for reassessments?
6. What is the difference between sale price, appraisal and assessments?
7. How is the property value determined?
8. How does a property owner learn of their reassessment value?
9. What do I do after receiving my reassessment?
10. How does a property owner appeal reassessment value?
11. Can I research or view other property assessments?
12. What do I do if information on my real estate reassessment appears to be wrong?
13. Is it true that the Assessor reassesses to raise taxes?
14. How do my real estate and personal property assessments determine my tax bill?
15. How are parcels assessed if subdivided after Jan. 1 of each year?