Access Columbia Property Tax Records

Columbia property tax records are kept by the Boone County Collector of Revenue. The city does not collect property taxes on its own. All real estate and personal property tax bills in Columbia go through the county system. You can look up your tax bill, check what you owe, and see past payments through the Boone County Collector's website. Columbia is the county seat of Boone County and the largest city in the area. Whether you need a current tax statement, a paid receipt, or assessment details, the Boone County Collector's office is where to start your search for Columbia property tax records.

Boone County Collector for Columbia

The Boone County Collector of Revenue is the office that collects all property taxes in Columbia. This is a county-wide elected position with a four-year term. The current collector is Brian McCollum, who has served since March 2015. The office handles both current and delinquent property tax collection for the county and all political subdivisions that have authorized tax levies in Boone County.

The collector also handles special assessments for improvement districts in the Columbia area. Beyond taxes, the office collects fees for liquor licenses, auctioneer licenses, merchant licenses, and county food establishment inspection permits. All tax records are maintained in the collector's office and are available for public use. The office processes payments from mortgage companies that hold escrowed tax payments on behalf of homeowners.

If your property taxes become delinquent, the collector must use all legal means to collect what is owed. That can eventually lead to a tax sale under Chapter 140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Delinquent parcels go to public auction, usually in August each year. The original owner gets a redemption period before the buyer can obtain a collector's deed.

Paying Columbia Property Taxes

The City of Columbia provides a link on its bills and payments page to help residents pay property taxes. But the actual payment goes through the Boone County Collector, not the city. You can pay property taxes, traffic and parking tickets, building permit fees, and special assessments through the city's bill pay portal. The property tax link routes you to the county system.

Tax statements arrive in late October or November. You have until December 31 to pay. The postmark on a mailed check counts as the payment date. If you pay late, interest starts accruing on January 1 of the following year under RSMo 139.031. You can pay in person at the Boone County Collector's office during business hours by cash, check, or card.

Columbia Property Tax Assessments

The Boone County Assessor sets the market value of all property in Columbia as of January 1 each year. Real property gets reassessed every two years in odd-numbered years. Residential property is assessed at 19% of market value. Commercial property uses 32%. Agricultural land uses a 12% productivity rate. These assessment percentages come from RSMo 137.115.

Personal property declarations are due by March 1. This includes vehicles, boats, trailers, and equipment. If you miss the deadline, a late penalty applies under RSMo 137.280. The fine ranges from $15 to $105 depending on what your personal property is worth. New Columbia residents should contact the Boone County Assessor to set up an account and get their property on file.

Note: You still owe personal property taxes in your prior county if you lived there on January 1.

Columbia Tax Records Resources

The Columbia city bills and payments portal links to various payment options for city residents, including a route to pay property taxes through Boone County.

The Boone County Collector's website provides direct access to tax bill lookups, receipt printing, and online payment for all Columbia properties.

From the collector's site, you can also find information about delinquent tax procedures, tax sale dates, and how to get official paid receipts for vehicle registration in Missouri.

Columbia Property Tax Appeals

Columbia property owners who believe their assessed value is wrong can appeal to the Boone County Board of Equalization. You need to file with the county clerk before the third Monday in June. Bring evidence that supports a lower value. Good evidence includes comparable sales from your area, a recent appraisal, or photos showing problems with the property that affect value.

If the board does not adjust your value, you can appeal to the Missouri State Tax Commission. The deadline is September 30 or 30 days after the board decision. The commission holds formal hearings and can order the assessor to change your value. Residential appeals are free at the state level.

Nearby Cities Property Tax Records

Columbia sits in central Missouri. These other major cities have their own property tax records pages.