Updated September 4, 2026. Quick answer: Missouri protects up to $15,000 of value in the dwelling house, appurtenances, and the land used with it, for every person’s homestead. A 2026 law raises that figure to $40,000 effective January 1, 2027; until then, $15,000 is the operative cap.
A big increase is coming. Missouri’s cap has been $15,000 since 2003. A 2026 law raises it to $40,000, but only starting January 1, 2027; until then, courts apply the current $15,000 figure.
This is protection against an ordinary money judgment creditor under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.475, a different question from a property tax bill or exemption, which this page does not cover.
How it works in Missouri
- No filing required. The statute is self-executing, and there is no filing or recording requirement.
- Married couples and joint owners: Neither spouse can sell, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of the homestead alone; both husband and wife must join in any conveyance or encumbrance, or it is void.
What it does not protect against
None are listed in this section itself; unlike most other states in this family, it carries no built-in carve-outs for taxes, mechanics’ liens, or similar debts.
Read it yourself
Verbatim from Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.475: “The homestead of every person, consisting of a dwelling house and appurtenances, and the land used in connection therewith, not exceeding the value of fifteen thousand dollars… shall… be exempt from attachment and execution.” Read the full official text before relying on any figure here. Exemption law is fact-specific, and this is a source-backed planning guide, not individualized legal advice.