Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County Tax FAQ's
View questions about taxes in Clay County, Missouri by category below. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please contact us here.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
How can I get a receipt for last year's taxes in Clay County, Missouri?
At the top of our home page is a red button labeled “Pay Bill / Receipts.” Click that box to go to our billing and receipts portal. The best way to search the portal is to use ONLY your last name and first name.
When you find your account and get to the account detail page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and you will see blue links to past receipts.
Click here for instructions and videos on how to use the billing portal.
Personal Property FAQ's
What is personal property?
According to MO State Statute 137.075 “Persons owning or holding tangible personal property on the 1st day of January shall be liable for taxes.” Personal property includes all motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, motors, mobile homes, aircraft, farm machinery, livestock and grain.
The Assessor sends out assessment lists at the end of each year. It is your responsibility to return that list to the Assessor’s office by March 1, listing the taxable personal property you own as of January 1 of that year. Under state law, there is no provision for prorating taxes for a partial year, and you may be penalized if the form is not returned to the Assessor’s office by March 1.
Why is my bill higher than my friend's bill?
The tax is based on the value of the vehicles you own, not on the number of vehicles you own. It is common for a person with one, more expensive vehicle to owe more tax than another person with several, less expensive vehicles. Also, the levies in your taxing district must be considered.
Why is my tax bill so high?
The amount of tax you owe each year is based on the value of the vehicles you owned on January 1st of that year. The value of the vehicles is established by the County Assessor using a standard rate book. The assessed value of your vehicles can be found in the upper center portion of your statement. Your bill is also determined by the city in which you reside. Your tax bill may appear higher this year because city and county taxes are now on the same bill.
Why am I being taxed for a vehicle I no longer own?
Your tax is based on the vehicles you owned on the first day of the tax year. Even if you no longer own the vehicles, even if you now own different vehicles, even if you now own no vehicles, you still pay tax based on what you owned on the first day of the year.
I am no longer a Missouri (or a Clay County) resident. Do I still owe?
Yes. By state law, your tax obligation is established on January 1st. Even if you move to a different state (or county) the next day, you are still taxed for the entire year. You may move into Missouri January 2nd and not pay personal property taxes all year. You may move out of Missouri on January 2nd and pay personal property taxes for the entire year. Personal property taxes are not pro-rated.
Vehicle Registration FAQ's
I am renewing 2-year license plates; which years’ personal property tax receipts do I need?
You will need your two previous year’s receipts. If you were assessed in another Missouri county, you may need to contact that county for a previous year receipt. If you cannot locate your tax receipt for the appropriate year, please call the Collector’s office at (816) 407-3200 for additional information.
I bought my vehicle in December but did not take possession of it until after January 1st; do I still have to pay taxes on it?
Yes. The date of purchase listed on the application for title is the date you actually owned it regardless of when you picked it up.
I need to license a car not included on my paid tax receipt. What do I do?
If you bought your car after January 1 of this year, use last year’s receipt. Property taxes are not owed on the new vehicle unless you owned it on January 1st. If you did own the vehicle on January 1 of last year and it is not listed on your receipt, or is incorrect on you receipt or statement, please contact the Assessor’s office.
What is required to license my vehicle in Clay County?
Contact your local DMV.
Why am I being taxed for a vehicle I no longer own?
Your tax is based on the vehicles you owned on the first day of the tax year. Even if you no longer own the vehicles, even if you now own different vehicles, even if you now own no vehicles, you still pay tax based on what you owned on the first day of the year.
General/Policy FAQ's
Can I get a value for my business account?
Business Personal Property value questions can be answered by calling 816-407-3460.
How do I appeal my values?
Contact the Assessor’s Office at 816-407-3500.
How do I register my business with the county?
Contact the Assessor’s Office at 816-407-3500.
Where is the County Planning and Zoning?
County Planning and Zoning
234 W. Shrader, Suite C
Liberty, MO 64068
Who are the taxing authorities in Clay County?
School Districts, Fire Districts, Ambulance Districts, Road Districts, Water Districts, Hospital Districts, Library Districts, Junior College along with City and County Districts. Your property location determines which districts receive your tax dollars. You will receive a separate city tax bill.
What are tax levies?
A tax levy is a number determined by a taxing authority such as a school district used in calculating, from the assessed value, the amount owed to that taxing authority for that tax year. As government services and costs increase, levies and taxes have to be raised to pay for these services.
When should I fill out a change of address form?
Anytime you move into Clay County, within Clay County, or out of Clay County, you need to let Clay County know. Please only fill out this form for personal property (non-real estate) tax purposes.
You also need to notify the Assessor’s office of your old county of residence (if moving into Clay County) or your new county of residence (if moving out of Clay County).
Who pays the tax bill if I get a divorce?
The tax responsibility goes to the owner of record on January 1. If property is owned jointly and the court order dissolving the marriage does not address tax liability, both parties are jointly responsible for taxes. Neither party can obtain a statement of no taxes due until the tax liability is satisfied. If you are separated and not legally divorced we can not split the bill once it is made. We can separate the account for the next year. If you are legally divorced you will need to provide copies of the final divorce decree showing who is responsible for each vehicle and you must have a current address for each party.
What is Personal Property?
According to MO State Statute 137.075 “Persons owning or holding tangible personal property on the 1st day of January shall be liable for taxes.” Personal property includes all motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, motors, mobile homes, aircraft, farm machinery, livestock and grain.
The Assessor sends out assessment lists at the end of each year. It is your responsibility to return that list to the Assessor’s office by March 1, listing the taxable personal property you own as of January 1 of that year. Under state law, there is no provision for prorating taxes for a partial year, and you may be penalized if the form is not returned to the Assessor’s office by March 1.
What is required to be put on the tax rolls of Clay County?
If you are a new resident, or have moved, you need to contact the Clay County Assessor’s Office at 816-407-3500 so that they can put you on the tax rolls.
I do not have children in school. Why do I have to pay so much of my taxes for public schools?
Responsible citizens shoulder the burden for activities that benefit all of us. We all pay to maintain highways on which we may never drive, support hospitals where we may never be admitted, and support a military that may never watch over our particular neighborhood. When schools deteriorate, so do our property values.
My grandmother died, and I received her personal property tax bill? Would you take her off the rolls immediately?
We will remove her name from the rolls; however, the family or the estate is responsible to pay the deceased taxpayer’s bill. We get all of our billing information from the Assessor’s office, so they should be notified as well at (816) 407-3500.
When are tax bills mailed out?
Tax bills are normally mailed out by mid-November every year. If you do not receive a tax bill from Clay County by November 30th, please call (816) 407-3200. Missouri statutes mandate payment by December 31st whether a taxpayer receives a bill or not. Bills do occasionally get lost in the mail, but you still have an obligation to pay. Bills are currently available online 24 hours a day at https://collector.claycountymo.gov.
I am no longer a Missouri (or a County) resident. Do I still owe?
Yes. By state law, your tax obligation is established on January 1st. Even if you move to a different state (or county) the next day, you are still taxed for the entire year. You may move into Missouri January 2nd and not pay personal property taxes all year. You may move out of Missouri on January 2nd and pay personal property taxes for the entire year. Personal property taxes are not pro-rated.
Why did I not receive my tax bill?
You will not receive a bill unless you filled out an assessment form for the year being taxed. If you recently moved to Clay County, please contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure that you are properly registered. Another frequent reason why taxpayers do not receive their tax bill is that they move and fail to inform the County of their new address (inside or outside Clay County).
Billing Portal FAQ's
How can I get a receipt for last year’s taxes?
At the top of our home page is a red button labeled “Pay Bill/Receipts.” Click that box to go to our billing and receipts portal. The best way to search the portal is to use ONLY your last name and first name. When you find your account and get to the account detail page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and you will see blue links to past receipts.
May I pay personal and real estate tax with one check?
Yes. Please be sure to add them correctly and send the exact amount due. Be sure to include all payment stubs and write all bill numbers on your check.
How do I get my penalties and interest on delinquent taxes waived?
Missouri law only allows penalties and interest to be waived on delinquent taxes for active duty military paying within 6 months of returning from active duty, and in cases where the County has made an error. Please bring your military orders with you when seeking to have your penalties and interest waived. If you believe the County has made an error that entitles you to a waiver of penalties and interest, please contact our office to discuss the matter. If you do not agree with our decision, you must request a refund from the County Commission. Click here to download Request for Waiver of Fees, Interest, Penalties, and Taxes.
What is the penalty and interest on delinquent taxes?
There is a one-time penalty of 9% charged at the time you pay the bill. Interest accrues monthly on unpaid balances at a rate of 1.5% per month.
When are tax bills mailed out?
Tax bills are normally mailed out by mid-November every year. If you do not receive a tax bill from Clay County by November 30th, please call (816) 407-3200. Missouri statutes mandate payment by December 31st whether a taxpayer receives a bill or not. Bills do occasionally get lost in the mail, but you still have an obligation to pay. Bills are currently available online 24 hours a day at https://collector.claycountymo.gov.
Where do I send payments, and who do I make the check payable to?
All payments, at all times of year, should be mailed to:
Clay County Collector
1 Courthouse Square
Liberty, Missouri 64068.
Checks should be made payable to “Clay County Collector.”
Do you accept partial payments?
We now accept partial payments at both office locations, through the mail, and online. Payments are always applied to the oldest debt first. Interest and a penalty will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. Making a partial payment will not prevent your property from being sold at the tax sale, nor will it stay any litigation related to collection of delinquent taxes. Please note that all amounts appearing on your personal property bill must be paid in full before the County will give you a paid receipt for use at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
What are the fees for paying with a credit or debit card, or using an e-check?
YOU CANNOT GET AN IMMEDIATE RECEIPT TO USE AT THE DMV UNLESS YOU PAY IN PERSON AT OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS.
These are credit card processing fees and apply to both online and in-office payments.
| Debit Cards | FREE |
| Credit Cards (we accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) | 2.45%, no minimum |
| E-Check (use the routing and account number from the bottom of your check) | FREE |
Why are the fees for paying online so high?
Please note that the fees charged by our online payment processor ARE NOT PAID to Clay County. They are charged by the bank that processes our payments, and are not something we can control, or waive. We are using part of our own office budget to pay the e-check fee so that you have a free option to pay online.
While they appear high, transaction fees are typically factored into the purchase price by merchants, and paid regardless of whether customers use a credit card or not. Clay County has no legal authority to do the same, and so transaction fees may not reduce the amount owed to the taxing entities of Clay County. It is your choice whether to pay online, or whether to pay by mail, in person, using your own online bill pay, or by drop box.
What are acceptable methods of payment?
Currently we accept cash, check, money orders, and cashiers checks. We accept debit card, credit card, and e-check payments online. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Please do not mail cash.
Why did I not receive my tax bill?
You will not receive a bill unless you filled out an assessment form for the year being taxed. If you recently moved to Clay County, please contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure that you are properly registered. Another frequent reason why taxpayers do not receive their tax bill is that they move and fail to inform the County of their new address (inside or outside Clay County).
How can I see online what I owe? Can I pay my taxes online?
Click the Pay Bill / Receipts button at the top of this website to open our billing portal. Type in your LAST NAME and FIRST NAME only. On this site, you can see your current balance, payment history, pay online using credit card or e-check (3rd party convenience fees apply). You may also print your current and past tax receipts online. This is the website where you will return to print your paid receipt after 12:00 noon on the next business day AFTER you paid online.
How do I avoid paying late fees?
Please be sure that your payment is postmarked no later than December 31st. Payments postmarked after December 31st will accrue a 9% penalty and interest at a rate of 1.5% per month. County offices will be closed all weekends, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, on Christmas Day, and on New Year’s Day. Sometimes, there are additional closures during the holiday season or due to dangerous weather conditions. Please call 816-407-3200 before you come to verify that the office is open. You may also deposit your payment in our external drop boxes 24 hours a day, and these boxes will be emptied in a timely manner at the end of the year. Payments deposited after midnight December 31 will be considered LATE under Missouri law. If you use a bill payment system, or any other method of payment delivery, please note that these payments are often sent to our office without a postmark. Online bill payments that come to our office without a valid postmark will be posted as of the date printed on the check. ONLINE BILL PAY SERVICES DO NOT PROCESS CHECKS THE SAME DAY YOU REQUEST. Do not request a payment date of December 31 if you plan to pay on time. MANY POST OFFICES NO LONGER POSTMARK MAIL ON THE SAME DAY IT IS DROPPED AT THEIR LOCATION, AND MANY NO LONGER HAND CANCEL MAIL. Please do not wait until December 31 to submit payment in any form.
Real Estate FAQ's
Where is the County Planning and Zoning?
County Planning and Zoning
234 W. Shrader, Suite C
Liberty, MO 64068
Who are the taxing authorities in Clay County?
School Districts, Fire Districts, Ambulance Districts, Road Districts, Water Districts, Hospital Districts, Library Districts, Junior College along with City and County Districts. Your property location determines which districts receive your tax dollars. You will receive a separate city tax bill.
What are tax levies?
A tax levy is a number determined by a taxing authority such as a school district used in calculating, from the assessed value, the amount owed to that taxing authority for that tax year. As government services and costs increase, levies and taxes have to be raised to pay for these services.
Why do my taxes increase?
Tax levies and taxes increase due to increased costs of school and government services. The Assessor is tasked to value property at current market value as of January 1st. As the cost of schools and government increases, so do your taxes. An increase in your tax bill can be the result of an increase in your tax levy, an increase in your property assessment, a combination of tax levy & reassessment, or new construction on your property.
How does the assessed value affect my real estate taxes?
The assessed value of your property is used to determine your portion of real estate taxes paid to support local school and government services. It is important to you and to our office that your assessed valuation is accurate.
The amount of real estate taxes paid in Clay County is determined by local taxing authorities such as school, fire, library, hospital, and road districts, along with city and county taxing authorities. This is why it is important to be aware of any proposed changes in spending by your local schools or governments.
Why does Clay County reassess real property?
The Assessor’s Office is tasked to ensure that the tax burden is distributed equitably among all property owners. To accomplish this, Missouri Revised Statutes – Chapter 137, is followed when assessing all real property.
Re-assessment is the process that helps to validate that real property is valued at current market value. All real property in Clay County is valued with uniform and consistent procedures following Missouri Revised Statutes – Chapter 137. Over time the value of property changes due to market conditions, location, condition of property, and other physical and economic factors. Some property values change more rapidly than others. Reassessment identifies changes in market value, along with property condition to determine current market value.
Who makes the decision to reassess?
Missouri Revised Statute 137.115 requires that the Assessor reassess all real property every 2 years on January 1st, in the odd numbered year. This value is carried forward to the even numbered year except for new construction and property improvements.
New Resident FAQ's
What is required to license my vehicle in Clay County?
Contact your local DMV.
When should I fill out a change of address form?
Anytime you move into Clay County, within Clay County, or out of Clay County, you need to let Clay County know. Please only fill out this form for personal property (non-real estate) tax purposes.
You also need to notify the Assessor’s office of your old county of residence (if moving into Clay County) or your new county of residence (if moving out of Clay County).
Who pays the tax bill if I get a divorce?
The tax responsibility goes to the owner of record on January 1. If property is owned jointly and the court order dissolving the marriage does not address tax liability, both parties are jointly responsible for taxes. Neither party can obtain a statement of no taxes due until the tax liability is satisfied. If you are separated and not legally divorced we can not split the bill once it is made. We can separate the account for the next year. If you are legally divorced you will need to provide copies of the final divorce decree showing who is responsible for each vehicle and you must have a current address for each party.
I was not a Clay County resident on January 1st but I live here now. Why can’t I just be assessed here?
Missouri law states that you must claim your personal property in the county you resided in on January 1st. We would be happy to put you on our mailing list for the next year. Please contact our office at (816) 407-3500.
What is Personal Property?
According to MO State Statute 137.075 “Persons owning or holding tangible personal property on the 1st day of January shall be liable for taxes.” Personal property includes all motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, motors, mobile homes, aircraft, farm machinery, livestock and grain.
The Assessor sends out assessment lists at the end of each year. It is your responsibility to return that list to the Assessor’s office by March 1, listing the taxable personal property you own as of January 1 of that year. Under state law, there is no provision for prorating taxes for a partial year, and you may be penalized if the form is not returned to the Assessor’s office by March 1.
What is required to be put on the tax rolls of Clay County?
If you are a new resident, or have moved, you need to contact the Clay County Assessor’s Office at 816-407-3500 so that they can put you on the tax rolls.