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Updated 10/4/2009
 
Do You Qualify For The Missouri Property Tax Credit?
 
Take This Simple Test
 
If you can answer YES to ALL of the following questions, you MIGHT qualify for a rebate of from $1 to $1100 of your real estate taxes or from $1 to $750 of your rent.
 
  • Were you or your spouse 65 or older on the last day of the year
OR 100 percent disabled, age 18-64
OR a widowed person between 60 and 64 receiving Social Security surviving spouse benefits?
  • If you are a homeowner: Was your TOTAL household income -- including Social Security and other non-taxable income -- less than $30,000 ($34,000 if you are a married couple)?
  • If you are a renter: Was your TOTAL household income -- including Social Security and other non-taxable income -- less than $27,500 ($29,500 if you are a married couple)?
  • Did you live in Missouri for the entire calendar year?
  • Did you pay real estate taxes or rent on your main homestead?
Important: You may file for the 2006 Circuit Breaker until April 15, 2010. The deadline for the 2007 Circuit Breaker is April 15, 2011, and so on.

Please note that the income requirements for 2006 and 2007 were lower than those for 2008. For the earlier years, your total household income had to be below $25,000 (or $27,000 if you were a married couple). These income requirements applied to both homeowners and renters.
 
The eligibility requirements are hard and fast. If your income is even $1 over the limit, you can't file for the credit.
 

 
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, you may get a copy of the MO-PTC (Missouri Property Tax Credit) or MO-PTS form by calling 1 (800) 877-6881. Many local library branches also have these forms available.
 
If you are not required to fill out a Missouri income tax return, use the Form MO-PTC.
 
If you are required to fill out a Missouri income tax return, use the form MO-PTS.
 
You can also download the form by clicking here.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What information do I need to complete the MO-PTC form?
 
You will need the following documents:
  • Your Social Security benefit statement (SSA-1099). This form is mailed to you in January each year. (IMPORTANT: Do not use the letter mailed to you by Social Security in December telling you what your benefits will be for the coming year.)
  • All 1099 forms showing interest, dividends, pensions, annuities, proceeds from stock sales, gambling winnings or any other income you received during the year.
  • All W-2 forms showing wages, salaries and tips you received during the year.
  • If you are a homeowner, a copy of your PAID real estate tax receipt. If your taxes are paid through your mortgage company, and you do not get a receipt in the mail, call your county government to request a copy. If you are a homeowner, you must have this receipt in order to claim the credit.
  • If you are a renter, copies of all of your rent receipts for the year, or copies of your canceled checks, or a letter from your landlord on your landlord's letterhead showing your landlord's tax ID number and the total amount of rent you paid for the year. This letter must be signed by your landlord. Note: Nursing home and residential care facility residents are considered renters for the purpose of the Property Tax Credit.
How much will my credit be?
The actual amount of your credit will be based on your income and your real estate taxes or rent and can range from $0 to $1100 if you are a homeowner or from $0 to $750 if you rented for all or part of the year.
 
Not everyone who meets the eligiblity requirements will get a credit. If your income is near the eligibility limit and your taxes are low, you may not be entitled to a credit.
 
What documents should I attach to my MO-PTC or MO-PTS forms?
 
Attach copies of your SSA-1099, W-2 forms, all other 1099 forms, your paid real estate tax receipt or rent receipts. You must attach the copies of these documents or your MO-PTC will not be processed.
 
How long will it take to get my credit?
 
For the current year's credit, plan on at least 12 weeks. If you are filing for previous years' credits, expect a longer wait.
 
Is there any way to check on my credit?
 
You may call the Department of Revenue's automated refund line at 314-877-0178. Have a copy of your return handy.
 
You must have a touch-tone phone to use this system. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, your filing status and the amount of your expected refund.
 
If your return has been processed and your check is ready to be mailed, the system will be able to tell you the date you can expect your check. If the system tells you that there is no record of your return, it does not necessarily mean that the Department of Revenue has not received it. This usually means that your return has not been processed yet.
 
I don't file a Missouri income tax return, and I don't expect to owe income taxes. Can I still file for the Property Tax Credit?
 
Yes, if you meet all the requirements listed above.
 
If you do file a Missouri income tax return, the Department of Revenue will deduct your credit amount from the taxes you owe. If you file a Missouri income tax return, and you are eligible for the Property Tax Credit, fill out the Missouri return and attach form MO-PTS instead of the MO-PTC. If the credit is greater than the amount of the taxes you owe, you will be mailed a check for the difference.
 
I just found out about the Property Tax Credit? Can I file for credits for past years?
 
You still may file for the years 2006 (until April 15, 2010) through 2007 if you're eligible.
 
You must have met the eligibility requirements for 2006 and 2007 that were in effect during that year. For example, you must have been at least 65 in 2006, lived in Missouri, etc., to file for that year.
 
Widowed persons age 60 and older who are receiving surviving spouse Social Security benefits are also eligible to apply for the Missouri Property Tax Credit.

 
MEAAA, St. Louis County Older Resident Programs (CORP) and AARP provide free tax counseling for seniors February  through April 15. At other times, you may contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 314-877-0178 for information or assistance with Circuit Breaker.
 
 
You can download current and past year's tax forms from this location.
 
If you're good with numbers and want to help others by providing a valuable free service, call MEAAA at (636) 207-0847 or 1 (800) AGE-6060 or CORP at (314) 615-4559 for info on the Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs.
 
Or e-mail us for details.

 
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