Missouri Voters to Decide on Property Tax Cap Measure

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Voters in 97 of Missouri's 114 counties, including several in South Central Missouri, will decide on April 7 whether to adopt a property tax cap as part of a new state law. The measure, signed by Governor Mike Kehoe last June, would limit increases in property taxes to either 5% or 0% depending on the county, in an effort to protect homeowners from rising assessments driven by increases in property values. However, the proposal has raised concerns among public entities like school districts and fire departments that rely heavily on property tax revenue.

Why it matters

The proposed property tax cap measure is a response to recent increases in property taxes across Missouri. Supporters say it will provide stability and predictability for homeowners, but critics warn it could reduce funding for essential public services and impact budgets that have already been set based on expected revenue.

The details

Under the proposal, the cap on property tax increases would vary by county. In some areas, increases would be limited to 5%, while in others the cap could be set at 0%, effectively freezing property taxes at current levels. The measure includes exceptions, such as if a homeowner makes improvements that raise a property's assessed value, if voters approve new tax levies, or if a property becomes subject to additional taxes through annexation. State law prohibits public entities from using taxpayer funds to advocate for or against the ballot issue, but allows them to provide informational materials explaining the impact.

• The measure was signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe in June 2025.
• Voters in 97 of Missouri's 114 counties will decide on the property tax cap proposal on April 7, 2026.

What’s next

The measure will appear on the April 7, 2026 ballot in 97 of Missouri's 114 counties, where voters will decide whether to adopt the property tax cap.