AARP Missouri Eyes Tax Relief in the 2024 Legislative Session

AARP Missouri Eyes Tax Relief in the 2024 Legislative Session

The Missouri Legislative session starts today, Wednesday, January 3 at 12:00pm in Jefferson City.

Missourians knew that the property tax reassessments would be tough in 2023. AARP and older Missourians urged the General Assembly to take quick action to provide real tax relief that could keep older and disabled Missourians in their homes and communities. The General Assembly responded last year with a complete tax exemption on Social Security income and a program for counties to offer tax relief to older Missourians. While the latter has had some technical issues, Missourians who rely on Social Security for their income will not be taxed on that income in 2024.

This year, AARP is fighting for modernization to the Property Tax Credit, also known as the Circuit Breaker, to ensure that older Missourians and disabled veterans can stay in their homes. The Circuit Breaker hasn’t been updated in 15 years and many Missourians have lost access to the credit at the same time inflation, rent, and property taxes have soared. This bipartisan issue, sponsored by Representative Mark Mathieson (R-O’Fallon) and Senator Tracy McCreery (D- St. Louis County), would ensure that every eligible Missourian would receive real relief and adjust the credit for inflation going forward.

Missouri also has over 800,000 family caregivers who provide over $11 billion of services to their loved ones. These family caregivers struggle to make ends meet while taking time off work and away from friends. Missouri has long had the Share the Care Tax Credit, but last year only 34 caregivers applied for it. AARP is working with the Administration and the General Assembly to improve the credit and get the word out to caregivers around the state, while continuing to provide essential state services to caregivers and their loved ones.

It’s not news to anyone that 2024 is an election year, and Missouri lawmakers need to hear from their constituents, so AARP will provide a variety of opportunities for members to reach out to their elected officials.

Missouri Legislative Session Dates of Interests

• Wednesday, January 3: First Day of Session

• Monday, January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No Session

• Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day – In Session

• Monday, March 18 – Friday, March 22: Spring Break

• Monday, April 1: Easter Break – No Session

• Friday, May 17: Last Day of Session

• Wednesday, September 11: Veto Session