Mo. Rev. Stat. § 249.650

Suits to collect any tax bills herein authorized may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction by the person to whom issued or any assignee in their own names. Every such certified tax bill shall, in an action brought to recover the amount thereof, be prima facie evidence of the validity of the charges against the property therein described; and where suit is brought before the liens have expired, said liens shall continue until the termination of such suits and the satisfaction of the judgments.