Tax relief plan for Missouri senior citizens heads to governor’s desk

The state Legislature has passed a bipartisan tax relief plan for Missouri senior citizens. 

The bill would allow counties to freeze the property tax rates of Missouri seniors when the seniors turn 65. 

It would also exempt social security benefits from state income taxes. 

State Representative Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, says the proposal ensures that seniors cannot be taxed out of their home.State Representative Ben Baker,

“Their home is their largest asset and the equity in someone’s home is an investment of a lifetime and the one tangible thing people have to show for their lifetime of work,” says Baker. 

State Representative Deb Lavender, a Democrat from Manchester, says the bill should have included an income cap, to continue taxing the wealthy senior citizens. 

The legislation heads to Governor Parson for a decision.