St. Louis County Property Tax Guide for Town and Country

Property taxes can feel confusing, especially when values rise and your bill jumps. If you own or plan to buy in Town and Country, you want a clear picture of how St. Louis County calculates property taxes and what you can do if you disagree with your assessment. You will learn how assessments work, what levies make up your rate, how to estimate a bill, and how to appeal. Let’s dive in.

How St. Louis County taxes work

The simple formula

Your property tax bill starts with the Assessor’s estimate of market value. Missouri law converts that appraised value into an assessed value using a statutory assessment ratio. Your final bill is the assessed value multiplied by the total tax rate from all taxing districts that serve your parcel.

In short: Tax bill = Assessed value × Total tax rate.

Assessed vs. appraised value

The St. Louis County Assessor estimates the market value of your home using sales data and property characteristics. State law then applies an assessment ratio to convert that market value to an assessed value for taxation. Check the Assessor’s parcel search or Missouri Department of Revenue for the current ratio and how it is applied.

Levy rates in Town and Country

Your total tax rate is the sum of levies from several entities. Most Town and Country homeowners see levies from St. Louis County, the City of Town and Country, a local school district, and special districts such as fire protection and library. Voter-approved bonds or dedicated levies can be added. Because school and special districts vary by parcel, two similar homes in different parts of Town and Country can have different total rates.

Hypothetical examples

These simple examples show how the math works. Replace the numbers with your parcel’s actual values and levy totals.

• Example A, typical home (hypothetical): Appraised value $450,000. If the assessed value is 19% for illustration only, that equals $85,500. If the total levy is 8.5% for illustration only, estimated tax is $85,500 × 0.085 = $7,267.50.
• Example B, higher-value home (hypothetical): Appraised value $1,000,000. Assessed at 19% for illustration only equals $190,000. With the same illustrative 8.5% levy, estimated tax is $190,000 × 0.085 ≈ $16,150.

Assessment and reassessment

Notices and what to expect

The Assessor sets values as of a statutory valuation date using recent sales and other data. When your value changes, the county issues an assessment notice that shows your new appraised and assessed values and explains how to appeal. Read it carefully and note all deadlines.

Why values change

Values can rise with general market appreciation, nearby comparable sales, and documented improvements such as permitted additions or renovations. The Assessor can also adjust values if new information shows the prior value was off. In established, higher-price areas like Town and Country, shifts in luxury and move-up segments can create noticeable changes.

First steps after a notice

• Compare the new value to recent nearby sales that are similar in size, age, and condition.
• Check your parcel’s listed characteristics for accuracy.
• If you disagree, request an informal review with the Assessor’s office.
• Track all filing windows and keep copies of notices and evidence.

Appeals path in St. Louis County

Start with an informal review

Begin by contacting the Assessor’s office to discuss your value. Ask how they arrived at the figure and request the comparable sales they used. Share your evidence, such as a recent independent appraisal, better comparable sales, or photos of condition issues that affect value.

Board of Equalization appeal

If the informal review does not resolve the issue, file a formal appeal to the St. Louis County Board of Equalization. There is a defined filing window each assessment year. Prepare a concise package with comparable sales near the valuation date, any appraisal, photos, and a written summary of your argument.

Beyond the BOE

If you remain dissatisfied after the BOE decision, Missouri law allows further appeals, often through the Missouri Tax Commission or circuit court. Procedures and timelines are statutory, so verify the current steps and deadlines before proceeding.

Strong appeal evidence

• A recent independent appraisal reflecting the market value as of the county’s valuation date.
• Closed sales of comparable homes near the valuation date, matched for location, size, age, and condition.
• Evidence of defects or issues that reduce value, such as structural items or code conditions.

What varies locally in Town and Country

School and special districts

Town and Country parcels fall into different school districts, including Parkway and Ladue, depending on the property’s location. Special districts such as fire protection or library can also differ. Use the County Assessor’s parcel lookup to confirm your school district and all assigned taxing districts for your address.

Municipal and bond levies

The City of Town and Country levies its own municipal property tax. Voter-approved bonds or dedicated levies for city, county, or school district projects can be included in your bill. Your parcel’s levy list will show exactly which apply.

Renovations and your bill

Permitted improvements that add livable area or significantly update the home typically increase market value and, in turn, assessed value. Keep detailed records of permits and costs. Routine maintenance or minor repairs may not change assessed value.

Exemptions, credits, and relief

Homeowner and senior programs

Some programs provide relief for eligible homeowners, including certain senior or disabled-owner programs. Availability, income limits, and documentation requirements change, so confirm current options with county and state resources.

Veterans and disability

Missouri and local jurisdictions may offer exemptions or credits for qualifying veterans or disabled veterans. Review current eligibility rules and required proof before applying.

Verify eligibility

Always check the most recent guidance on the St. Louis County Assessor and Missouri Department of Revenue sites for program criteria, forms, and timelines. When in doubt, contact the Assessor or Collector directly for authoritative answers.

Smart steps for buyers and owners

• Before you buy: Review the Assessor’s parcel page for appraised value, taxing districts, and assessment history. Ask for recent tax bills from similar nearby homes.
• Estimating your bill: Use Tax = Assessed value × Total tax rate. Pull your parcel’s current appraised value and the full list of levies for accuracy.
• Budgeting for changes: If values in your area are rising, plan a cushion for higher taxes. If you escrow taxes with your lender, consider adjusting your escrow to avoid a shortage.
• Planning projects: Expect permitted additions or significant updates to affect assessed value. Time projects and budgets with future tax implications in mind.
• If your bill spikes: Double-check your assessed value, taxing districts, and any new bond or special levies. Explore appeals and any exemptions that may apply.

If you want a local, house-by-house read on value before the next assessment, talk with our team. We combine neighborhood knowledge with pricing and design insight to help you plan smart moves, whether you are buying, selling, or improving.

Ready for tailored guidance on your Town and Country property? Connect with the Medelberg Savage Group for local expertise and a clear plan.

FAQs

How do I find my Town and Country taxing districts?

• Use the St. Louis County Assessor’s parcel lookup to see your assigned school district, municipality, and special districts for your specific address.

Can I appeal a big assessment increase in St. Louis County?

• Yes. Start with an informal review with the Assessor, then file a timely appeal with the County Board of Equalization if needed, and consider state-level options if still unresolved.

Do renovations always raise my St. Louis County property taxes?

• Permitted improvements that increase market value often lead to higher assessed value, while routine repairs are less likely to change your assessment.

How can I estimate my Town and Country tax bill?

• Multiply your assessed value by your total levy rate; for accuracy, use your parcel’s current appraised value and the full list of levies shown in the county’s parcel data.

Where do I pay my St. Louis County property tax bill?

• The County Collector handles bills and payments; check the Collector’s official portal for payment options, due dates, and any penalties.

What evidence helps most in a St. Louis County assessment appeal?

• A recent independent appraisal tied to the valuation date, strong comparable sales, and documentation of condition issues or defects that affect value.