🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Jackson County, MO

A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.

Short-Term Rentals Get a Tax Break in Jackson County

Jackson County short-term rental (STR) operators just got a major breather—and it couldn’t have come at a better time. On Wednesday, county legislators unanimously passed a new ordinance that blocks a looming property tax hike that had STR hosts in a panic.

At the heart of the issue was a controversial move by the county assessor to reclassify residential properties used as STRs in 2023 as commercial—meaning homeowners who rented out on Airbnb or Vrbo could have faced staggering property tax bills. That’s no longer the case.

Under the newly approved ordinance, Jackson County is halting that reclassification and capping tax increases for STR properties at 15% over the next two years. The ordinance shifts the burden of proof onto the assessor if any property is targeted for reclassification in the future.

For hosts like Laura Williams, the ordinance might just be a financial lifesaver.

“This past week it was a total freak out,” she said. “You're going, what am I going to do? How am I going to pay this?” Williams estimated that the measure may have saved her around $30,000 in taxes.

The panic was widespread. Many STR owners were blindsided when their homes were suddenly treated like hotels—an upgrade in classification that comes with a hefty tax penalty. The reassessment put some vulnerable residents, including seniors, at risk of losing their tax exemptions. Legislator Sean Smith, who sponsored the ordinance, said the law was about fairness: “We were hearing stories of seniors getting kicked off the senior tax freeze.”

The new policy brings some much-needed stability, especially with major events like the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Homeowners no longer have to worry that a few rental nights could put their home in a different tax bracket.

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While this is a huge win for STR hosts, not everyone is in the clear. Some commercial property owners who’ve already been reclassified are still facing steep bills. Smith encouraged those affected to file appeals before the July 14 deadline.

Legislators are also weighing whether they can legally cap commercial tax increases under a separate ordinance introduced by Legislator Manny Abarca. But for now, STR homeowners can rest a bit easier.

Jackson County Executive Frank White’s office expressed support for the ordinance, promising swift implementation. For now, hosts across the county can breathe a collective sigh of relief—at least until next year’s tax talk.

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