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Jackson Co. legislator discusses plan for State Tax Commission order

Dillon Seckington

Aug 28, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s been over two weeks since the Missouri State Tax Commission ordered Jackson County to roll back its 2023 assessment to no more than 15%. The decision amounts to 75% of assessments.

Since the order came down, the Jackson County Executive’s Office says the order is unenforceable and that doing so would result in multiple taxing entities losing millions, with schools taking the biggest hit.


“It’s still up in the air because county counselors are still evaluating to see where do we go,” said White.

“The State Tax Commission issued the order but they didn’t tell you how to get the money back, so we have to figure out what that’s all about, we just don’t know.”


On Friday morning, County Legislator Sean Smith, along with Preston Smith, a taxpayer and business owner, shared ideas that could help those affected.


Preston encouraged taxpayers to use a form as part of the process to record the money that they’re owed.

Sean claims he’s been working with the collections department on how to clean up the mess.


“For the most part, what I am advocating for is that taxpayers get a credit on their future tax bills so they reduce the amount they’re paying in future years,” he said.


He also says that he spoke with a school district about the financial impacts and is exploring the possibility of applying a recoupment levy to the 24 and 25 levy rates. He mentioned establishing an emergency fund for people who need immediate help.


“I just got an email from a taxpayer last night who’s retired and she’s taken on a second job because her mortgage went up by $250 a month and she couldn’t afford it without taking on a second job in retirement,” said Sean.


Smith says they can’t move forward if arguments over the order continue. County officials could appeal, but they have about two weeks to correct the assessments under the order.

School districts and other taxing jurisdictions have to have their leaves based on those valuations set by October 1.


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