Audrain County Collector Amy LeCount and her staff began taking applications for the senior tax credit last week. The application period will end on June 30, 2026.

Audrain County residents are eligible to apply for the senior tax credit if they meet four criteria: turn 62 on or before January 1, 2026; is the property owner or has a legal equitable interest in the property such as a trust; is liable for the payment of real property taxes on the home; and occupies the home as their primary residence.

Applications are available from the Audrain County website (audraincounty.org), the Collector’s office at the courthouse, or any Audrain County library located in Mexico, Martinsburg, Laddonia, Farber, and Vandalia. After filling out the application, residents should send it by mail together with documents that show their age, proof of ownership of their home, and evidence of residency, such as a utility bill. They can also bring their application and documents to the Audrain County Collector’s office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email them to seniortaxcredit@audraincounty.org.

“Audrain County Recorder of Deeds Teresa Allen and her staff have graciously said they would print deeds of the property in case residents do not have proof of ownership,” LeCount said. “Last year, that was such a big help to our first-year applicants.”

LeCount added that anyone who applied last year and wants to reapply will receive a renewal application by mail. Residents just need to fill out the renewal form and return it to the collector’s office.

“We are trying to make this as easy as possible on our residents,” LeCount said.

The senior tax credit program was established through the state of Missouri with Senate Bill 190 in 2023 and amended by Senate Bill 756 in 2024.