City of St. Louis Postpones Real Estate Tax Sales Following Devastating Tornado; Urges Affected Owner Occupied Homeowners to Seek Assistance Through RETAF Program

In response to the devastating EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, the Collector of Revenue, Gregory F.X. Daly announces the postponement of scheduled real estate tax sales to provide relief to affected property owners and ensure the community has adequate time to recover from this historic natural disaster.

Tax Sale Postponements Provide Critical Relief

Working in coordination with the City of St. Louis, the Sheriff's Office, and the Courts, the Collector of Revenue has made the following adjustments to the 2025 tax sale schedule:

• The remaining four real estate tax sales (Sales 232, 233, 234 & 235) originally scheduled throughout the year will be consolidated and moved to the final sale date of October 14, 2025
  • The next scheduled sale, which was set for June 10, 2025, is among those being postponed
• Personal property tax suits affecting approximately 12,000 businesses & personal accounts will also be postponed until August
• Upcoming real estate tax suits will be rescheduled to August and September, with the October suit for problem properties remaining as scheduled

This postponement affects approximately 1,264 properties currently subject to real estate tax proceedings in the year 2025.

Tornado's Unprecedented Impact

The May 16 tornado, which maintained EF3 intensity with maximum wind speeds of 152 mph, carved a devastating 23-mile path through St. Louis, becoming the strongest tornado to hit the city since 1959. The storm tragically claimed five lives, injured dozens more, and damaged over 5,000 properties with estimated damages exceeding $1 billion.

"Our community has faced an unprecedented natural disaster," said Daly. "By postponing these tax sales, we are providing breathing room for families who are dealing with the immediate aftermath of this tragedy. Our priority is supporting recovery efforts and ensuring no one loses their home due to circumstances beyond their control during this difficult time."

RETAF Assistance Available for Struggling Owner Occupied Homeowners

The Collector of Revenue strongly encourages eligible homeowners who are in jeopardy of losing their home in a tax sale this year, to contact the St. Louis Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund (RETAF) for immediate support. RETAF provides financial assistance to qualified owner-occupant homeowners facing tax foreclosure. Call 314-535-5311, ext. 2006.

RETAF Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a City of St. Louis homeowner facing imminent tax foreclosure
• Property must be applicant's sole residence
• Household income must not exceed 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) for St. Louis
• Tax foreclosure sale must be scheduled for the same calendar year

In addition to financial assistance, RETAF partners provide wraparound services including financial education, coaching, credit building support, and assistance securing home repair funds – services that may be particularly valuable for tornado-affected families.

To contact RETAF: Call 314-535-5311ext 2006 or visit www.retaf.org.

Warning About Predatory Practices

The Collector of Revenue urges all property owners to be aware of predatory individuals who may attempt to exploit this disaster situation. The City of St. Louis is not trying to take your property away. Be cautious of anyone claiming to represent the city who:

• Demands immediate payment or threatens immediate property seizure
• Asks for upfront fees or payments
• Pressures you to sign documents without proper review
• Claims they can "save" your property for a fee

All legitimate city communications regarding property taxes come directly from an official city office If you receive suspicious contact, please call our office, the sheriff or city hall immediately to verify.

Special Assistance for Tornado-Affected Properties

Property owners who have been directly impacted by the tornado and are behind on their taxes are encouraged to contact the Collector of Revenue office directly. This includes:

• Homeowners whose primary residence was damaged and who are subject to tax sale or suit
• Owners of residential rental properties that were tornado-damaged and are behind on taxes
• Individuals or businesses delinquent in Personal Property taxes

Contact the Collector of Revenue office at 314-622-4105 or email propertytaxdept@stlouis-mo.gov.

"We understand that this natural disaster has created additional financial hardship for many families," added Daly. "We want to work with affected property owners to find solutions and ensure they have the support they need during recovery."

About the Collector of Revenue Office

The Real Estate Department of the Collector of Revenue office collects taxes for approximately 220,000 parcels of property within St. Louis city limits. Property taxes are due by December 31st each year, with tax notices sent to all landowners each November. The office typically conducts five tax sales annually.

Recovery Resources

For additional tornado recovery resources and information, residents can visit the City of St. Louis tornado response website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/tornado or contact the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund through the St. Louis Community Foundation.

For more information about tax matters, contact the Collector of Revenue office at 314-622-4105 or email propertytaxdept@stlouis-mo.gov. For RETAF assistance, call 314-535-5311, ext. 2006.

The City of St. Louis stands together in recovery and resilience following this historic natural disaster. Our community's strength will see us through this challenging time.