Real estate tax abatement is an incentive program to assist developers and businesses with renovation and new construction projects. Tax abatement is available anywhere in the City of St. Louis that is designated by ordinance as a redevelopment area. Some areas are already so designated. If an area is not currently designated as a redevelopment area it must be approved as a Chapter 99/100 redevelopment area by the LCRA or the PIEA Board and the Board of Aldermen. Tax abatement allows for the assessed value of improvements on property to remain fixed at the rate prior to rehabilitation or new construction for a set period of time, usually 10 years. It does not mean that the property will not be taxed. The tax rates may fluctuate during the tax abatement period; however, the improvements will not be reassessed until the tax abatement period has expired. Eligible properties are (1) new construction, or (2) properties that are extremely deteriorated (blighted) and require extensive rehabilitation. The Alderman for the Ward in which the property is located must support the application in writing. After the area has been designated as a Redevelopment Area, the application for small property tax abatement should be made prior to the start of construction. Upon request by the redeveloper, a "Certificate of Qualification" will be provided to the Assessor's Office, by LCRA or PIEA once the construction or renovation project is completed. For additional information on applying for tax abatement, please contact the St. Louis Development Corporation at 622-3400.

Previous Step Next Step  Back to Residential Development Process Official Web Site of the City of St. Louis This Page Last Modified: 11/19/07