Jackson County Exec Frank White Now Offers Property Tax Help

We're at the outset of election season and one of the more high-profile incumbents is seemingly eager to make locals forget about a local homeowner tax crisis that that sparked regional ire before the pandemic.

In fairness, here's the news and statement from the courthouse . . .

Jackson County Executive announces new program to protect homeowners

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. is announcing today that the County is offering a new extended contract option that will remove qualified homeowners from the delinquent tax sale next month. The new option reaffirms the County Executive’s commitment to housing stability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As I’ve stated before, no one should fear losing their home during a global health pandemic,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “We have all needed a little help at one point in our lives and it is our responsibility to provide the support necessary to protect some of our most vulnerable residents through sensible solutions like this. I appreciate the effort of our Collection Department to make extended installment contracts an available option and encourage at-risk homeowners to apply.”

The Department of Collection will offer one extended installment contract per homeowner to those who meet the following qualifications:

- Show proof they live in an owner-occupied residential property 

- Must be scheduled for the 2020/2021 delinquent tax sale 

 - Not defaulted on a county installment contract in the past two years

Under the terms, qualified homeowners will make 11 equal monthly payments. No down payment is required to enter into the contract and the first payment is not due until January 2022. Additionally, all payments must be made with cash or certified funds and interest, penalties, and fees continue to accrue until the contract is paid off.

“Taxpayers are allowed to make down payments as well as early payments to reduce their accrual of interest, penalties, and fees,” said Department of Collection Director Whitney Miller. “I feel confident that this new extended contract option, in addition to our regular installment contracts, will provide the opportunity for relief and assistance that homeowners need amid the pandemic. Staff are ready and willing to assist.”

Interested homeowners can ask questions or apply for an extended installment contract by calling (816) 881-3232, emailing collections@jacksongov.org or visiting in person at the Kansas City courthouse, located at 415 E. 12th Street. If an approved homeowner misses any payment from January-May 2022, the extended installment contract will be in default and their property will be added into the 2022 tax sale.

Every year in August, Jackson County holds two delinquent tax sales which are conducted by the Jackson County Circuit Court Administrator. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 sale was postponed. As a result, this year’s tax sales will include properties from 2020 and 2021. Properties with three years of delinquent taxes face a foreclosure sale to recover unpaid taxes and assessments.

The 2020/2021 delinquent tax sale begins Monday, August 9 at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence. The sale at the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City will begin Monday, August 16. Additional information about the delinquent tax sale can be found online.

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Developing . . .

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