Montgomery County Property Tax Records
Montgomery County property tax records are handled by the assessor and collector in Montgomery City. This rural county in east-central Missouri keeps records for both real estate and personal property. You can search tax records by contacting the courthouse, visiting in person, or checking available online resources. The county seat of Montgomery City is where the main offices are located, and most property tax business goes through the courthouse there. If you need a tax bill, want to check on your assessment, or have questions about payment history, the offices in Montgomery City are ready to help.
Montgomery County Tax Quick Facts
Montgomery County Tax Assessor
The Montgomery County Assessor is at the courthouse in Montgomery City. The assessor sets values for all real estate and personal property in the county. Assessment happens as of January 1 each year. Real property gets reassessed every two years in odd-numbered years. The assessor uses sales data, cost estimates, and income analysis to set market values for real estate.
Personal property declarations must be filed by March 1. This includes vehicles, farm equipment, boats, and business property. If you miss the March 1 deadline, late penalties apply under RSMo 137.280. Penalties range from $15 to $105 depending on the assessed value of your personal property. A second notice goes out before April 1, giving you until May 1 before the penalty takes effect. Vehicle values come from NADA guides and state rate books.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Montgomery County lists contact details for all county offices including the assessor.
Montgomery County Property Tax Rates
Under RSMo 137.115, Montgomery County follows the same assessment rates used across Missouri. Residential property is at 19% of market value. Commercial is at 32% of true value. Agricultural land is assessed at 12% of production value, not market value. Personal property like cars and trucks goes at 33 1/3% of book value. Farm equipment and livestock are at 12%.
The county clerk applies local tax levy rates to your assessed value. Levy rates vary by taxing district. School districts, fire districts, road districts, and cities all set their own rates each year. Two properties with the same assessed value in different parts of Montgomery County can have very different tax bills because of these levy differences. The Hancock Amendment in the Missouri Constitution limits how much taxing entities can collect without voter approval, which protects taxpayers during reassessment years when values may jump.
Montgomery County Tax Collector
The Montgomery County Collector handles all property tax collection from the courthouse in Montgomery City. The collector mails tax statements in late October or November. Your bill is due by December 31. If you miss the deadline, interest and penalties begin on January 1 under RSMo 139.031. Payments postmarked by December 31 are on time.
You can pay taxes in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by phone in some cases. The collector also conducts the annual tax sale for properties that have been delinquent for two or more years under Chapter 140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. At the sale, buyers pay the back taxes and receive a certificate of purchase. The original owner has a redemption period to pay back the amount plus interest.
Note: You need a paid personal property tax receipt from the Montgomery County Collector to register or renew your vehicle plates.
Tax Credits and Appeals in Montgomery County
Missouri's Property Tax Credit through the Missouri Department of Revenue is for qualifying seniors and 100% disabled individuals. The max credit is $1,100 for homeowners and $750 for renters. You file this with your state income tax return or separately. You will need your paid tax receipt from the collector.
If you think your Montgomery County property assessment is too high, you can appeal. Start with an informal review at the assessor's office. Next, file with the Board of Equalization through the county clerk before the second Monday in July. Bring evidence like comparable sales or a recent appraisal. If the board does not adjust your value, you can appeal to the Missouri State Tax Commission by September 30. The process is free for residential properties. The commission holds formal hearings and can order the assessor to change the value.
The Missouri State Assessors Association keeps a directory of county assessor offices and can help you find the right contact for your property tax questions.
Montgomery County Tax Levy Details
Montgomery County has several taxing districts including school districts, fire protection districts, road districts, and the city of Montgomery City. Each district sets its own levy rate annually. The county clerk applies these rates to your assessed value to get the total on your tax bill. This is why two properties with the same assessed value in different areas can owe different amounts.
The collector also runs the annual delinquent tax sale for properties that have been delinquent for two or more years. At the sale, the buyer pays back taxes and gets a certificate of purchase. The original owner can redeem the property by paying the certificate amount plus 10% annual interest within the allowed time. Real estate gets reassessed every two years in odd-numbered years, while personal property is assessed annually. New construction is added to the rolls each year. Contact the collector in Montgomery City for specific tax sale dates and procedures. You can file your property tax credit claim online through the DOR Online Services portal.