Access Lafayette County Tax Records

Lafayette County property tax records are managed at the courthouse in Lexington, Missouri. The assessor and collector offices on Main Street handle valuations, billing, and collections for all real estate and personal property in the county. With an assessed valuation of over $573 million and a population near 32,800, Lafayette County sits east of the Kansas City metro along the Missouri River. You can search Lafayette County tax records through the assessor's website, contact the offices by phone, or visit the courthouse. Finding your tax bill or getting details on a parcel starts with the county offices in Lexington.

Lafayette County Assessor Office

Lafayette County Assessor Craig Williams handles property valuations. The office is at the Lafayette County Courthouse, 1001 Main St., Room 109, Lexington, MO 64067. Call (660) 259-6158, fax (660) 259-4482, or email c.williams@lafayettecountymo.gov.

The Lafayette County Assessor website offers a personal property PIN search tool. You can look up your account and view assessment details online. The assessor handles real estate and personal property assessments, sets market values based on sales data and cost approaches, and tracks ownership changes.

The assessor's website gives Lafayette County property owners a way to search their records and check values.

Under RSMo 137.115, residential property is assessed at 19% of market value. Commercial gets 32%. Agricultural land uses 12% of productivity value. Lafayette County has a good amount of fertile farmland along the Missouri River, so the agricultural rate applies to many parcels. Personal property is assessed at 33 1/3%. Real estate values are updated every two years in odd-numbered years.

Paying Lafayette County Tax Bills

Lafayette County Collector Lori Fiegenbaum handles tax billing and payments. The office is at the courthouse, 1001 Main St., Room 100, Lexington, MO 64067. Call (660) 259-6171, fax (660) 259-4268, or email l.fiegenbaum@lafayettecountymo.gov.

Tax bills go out in the fall. All Lafayette County property taxes are due by December 31. Late payments trigger interest and penalties under RSMo 139.031. You can pay in person at the courthouse, by mail, or ask about online payment options. Processing fees may apply for electronic payments. A mailed check counts as on time if the postmark is before the deadline.

The collector handles tax receipts, delinquent tax sales, and distribution of revenue to all taxing entities in Lafayette County. You need a paid personal property tax receipt to renew your vehicle plates in Missouri.

The Missouri Association of Counties lists all Lafayette County office contacts.

The state directory page shows phone numbers and addresses for Lafayette County offices.

Lafayette County Personal Property Tax

Personal property declarations are due by March 1 each year. This covers vehicles, boats, trailers, farm equipment, and other taxable items. Late filers face a penalty of $15 to $105 under RSMo 137.280. The assessor uses book values to calculate what each item is worth.

New residents should contact Assessor Craig Williams right away. If you lived in another county on January 1, you still owe taxes there for the current year. Once your Lafayette County account is set up, you will get your first bill in the fall.

Appealing Lafayette County Tax Values

If you think your Lafayette County assessment is too high, talk to the assessor first. Ask for an informal review. If that does not resolve it, file with the Board of Equalization before the third Monday in June. The Missouri State Tax Commission takes appeals past the county board. File by September 30. It is free for residential property owners.

Lafayette County's mix of river-bottom farmland and small-town residential property creates different valuation challenges. Sales data can be limited in some parts of the county. Bring the best comparisons you can find, along with any appraisals or photos that support a lower value.

Note: County Clerk Jessica White at (660) 259-4315 handles Board of Equalization filings in Lafayette County.

Lafayette County Tax Credits

Missouri offers a property tax credit for seniors 65 and older and fully disabled individuals. Apply through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Homeowners can get up to $1,100. Renters may qualify for up to $750. File with your state tax return or on its own. Recorder JoAnn Swartz at (660) 259-6178 handles deed records if you need copies of ownership documents for your property.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lafayette County along the Missouri River corridor.