Missouri Tax Rates

This post provides an overview of the primary taxes levied at the state level in Missouri. The information contained here is intended for general reference. For individuals or businesses seeking comprehensive support with tax filings, compliance, or strategic planning, indinero offers expert services. We encourage all who utilize this summary to explore the tailored tax support available through indinero.

Individual Income Tax

Missouri employs a graduated state individual income tax system, with rates that are being gradually reduced based on state revenue triggers.

  • State Rates (2025): The state has multiple brackets, with rates ranging from 2.00% to a top marginal rate of 4.70% (effective January 1, 2025, reduced from 4.8%). The first portion of taxable income (approximately the first $1,313) is taxed at 0%.
  • Local Earnings Tax: A key feature is the local Earnings Tax (a local income tax) levied by Kansas City and St. Louis. Residents and non-residents who work in these cities must pay an additional 1% tax on their gross earnings.
  • Retirement Income: Social Security benefits are not taxable in Missouri. The state also offers partial exclusions for both public and private pension/retirement income, subject to specific income limitations. Military pensions are fully exempt.

Sales and Use Tax

Missouri has a low state sales tax rate, but the combined rate is high due to substantial local additions.

  • State Rate: The general state sales tax rate is 4.225% on the retail sale of tangible personal property and certain services.
  • Local Taxes: Local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts like transportation development districts) impose significant additional sales taxes. The average combined state and local sales tax rate is approximately 8.41%, but the total rate can exceed 12% in some high-tax municipalities.
  • Tax on Groceries: Unlike many states, Missouri taxes groceries (unprepared food for home consumption), but at a reduced state rate of 1.225%, to which local sales taxes are added.
  • Exemptions: Prescription drugs and medicines are exempt from state sales tax.
  • Use Tax: A state use tax of 4.225% applies to taxable items purchased outside of Missouri but used, stored, or consumed in the state if state sales tax was not collected. Local use taxes may also apply.

Property Tax (Ad Valorem Tax)

Property taxes in Missouri are administered and collected exclusively at the local level by various taxing bodies (school districts, counties, etc.). The state’s effective property tax rate is generally near the national average.

  • Assessment Ratios: Property is assessed at a fraction of its market value, with rates set by state law:
    • Residential Real Property: 19% of market value.
    • Commercial Real Property: 32% of market value.
    • Personal Property: 33 1/3% of market value.
  • Tax Calculation: The tax is calculated by applying the local mill levy (the local tax rate, set by local budgets) to the property’s assessed value. School districts usually receive the largest share of property tax revenue.
  • Reassessment: Real property is reassessed every odd-numbered year.

Corporate Income Tax

Missouri imposes a tax on the net income of corporations that conduct business in the state.

  • Tax Rate: The corporate income tax rate is a flat 4.0% of the corporation’s Missouri taxable net income. This is a very competitive rate, ranking among the lowest corporate income tax rates in the nation.
  • Apportionment: For multi-state corporations, Missouri uses a single sales factor apportionment method, meaning income is allocated to the state based only on the proportion of sales made in Missouri.
  • Pass-Through Entities: S Corporations and LLCs are generally not subject to the corporate income tax; their income is passed through to the owners and taxed at the individual income tax rates.

Unique and Excise Taxes

  • No Estate or Inheritance Tax: Missouri does not impose a state-level estate tax or inheritance tax.
  • Gasoline Tax: The state imposes a motor fuel tax, currently set at approximately 29.9 cents per gallon.
  • Cigarette Tax: Missouri has one of the lowest cigarette excise tax rates in the country, currently set at only $0.17 per pack of 20 cigarettes.

R&D Offer Quiz

Step 1 of 3

Answer to find out if you're eligible for R&D tax credits.

Do the activities performed relate to a new or improved business component’s function, performance, reliability, quality, or composition?(Required)
For Example: A mid-sized packaging company develops a slightly modified cardboard box design to improve its stacking strength (reliability) for warehouse storage, involving minor adjustments to the corrugation pattern to reduce collapse under standard weight loads.
Is your company trying to discover information to eliminate uncertainty concerning the capability or method for developing or improving a business component?(Required)
For Example: A furniture manufacturer investigates whether a cheaper wood adhesive can hold joints as effectively as the current one during assembly, testing bond strength to resolve doubts about its capability in standard production lines.
Do the activities performed constitute a process of experimentation?(Required)
For Example: An auto parts supplier runs a series of bench tests on different lubricant formulations to find one that reduces friction in engine bearings more effectively, systematically comparing wear rates over simulated operating cycles.