Legislation to Modernize Property Tax Collection Process Receives Committee Approval

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-  Missourians may soon be able to receive property tax bills by email thanks to legislation sponsored by State Representative Chrissy Sommer.  This legislation will modernize the property tax collection process and was approved unanimously by the House Local Government Committee on Monday.

Currently, most Missouri counties use traditional mail to give residents 30 days' notice prior to a property bill becoming delinquent.  Sommer said her bill will update Missouri law to allow for the use of email to make the process more efficient.

Sommer also pointed out that her legislation changes Missouri law to prevent penalties or interest from being imposed when a notification is mailed or emailed less than 30 days before the delinquent date and the taxpayer pays within 15 days after the delinquent date or 15 days after the certified mailing date, whichever is later.

"I am glad that the House Committee on Local Government agreed with me with a unanimous vote to protect the taxpayer," said Sommer, R-St. Charles.

House Bill 128 was approved by the committee by a vote of 18-0.  It now moves to the House Rules Committee for approval before moving to the House floor for discussion.