Missouri's tax rates at a glance
Missouri has three main taxes that affect your household: income tax, sales tax, and property tax. Income tax ranges from 1.5% to 5.75% depending on what you earn. Sales tax is 4.225% statewide, but your local area may add more on top. Property tax varies by county and is based on your home's assessed value, not a flat rate.
The rates you actually pay depend on where in Missouri you live and what kind of income or purchase you're dealing with. A resident in Kansas City pays different total sales tax than someone in Springfield because cities and counties layer their own taxes on top of the state rate.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri income tax starts at 1.5% on the lowest earnings and reaches 5.75% on income over $8,737 for single filers in the current tax year.
- The state sales tax is 4.225%, but most counties and cities add local sales tax, bringing your total to between 5.225% and 8.6% depending on location.
- Property tax rates are set by individual counties and range from roughly 0.4% to 1.6% of your home's assessed value each year.
- Missouri does not tax retirement income from Social Security, pensions, or certain retirement accounts, which can lower your overall tax burden.
How Missouri income tax brackets work
Missouri uses a progressive income tax system, meaning the rate increases as your income goes up. You do not pay one flat rate on all your earnings; instead, each portion of your income is taxed at the rate for that bracket. For the 2024 tax year, the brackets for single filers are 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4.5%, and 5.75%.
The income thresholds that trigger each bracket change yearly. For 2024, the highest bracket (5.75%) applies to single filers with taxable income over $8,737. Married couples filing jointly reach that same 5.75% rate at a higher income level. Missouri also allows a standard deduction, which reduces the income amount you actually pay tax on — for 2024, the standard deduction is $13,910 for single filers and $27,820 for married couples filing jointly.
If you earn income from wages, self-employment, interest, or dividends, you owe Missouri income tax on it. However, Social Security benefits, military pensions, and certain retirement account withdrawals are exempt from Missouri income tax, which is a significant advantage for retirees.
Sales tax: state rate plus local additions
Missouri's base sales tax rate is 4.225%, but that is rarely what you pay at the register. Every county and most cities add their own local sales tax on top. In St. Louis city, the combined rate is 8.6%. In Boone County (Columbia), it is 7.225%. In some rural counties, it may be as low as 5.225%. The only way to know your exact rate is to check your specific city and county.
Sales tax applies to most goods you buy, including clothing, groceries, and household items. However, prescription medications and certain medical devices are exempt. Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not taxed. If you buy something online from an out-of-state seller, Missouri sales tax may or may not explore depending on whether the seller has a physical presence in the state — this rule has shifted in recent years, so check current guidance if you are unsure.
Some counties offer a sales tax holiday around back-to-school season, usually in August, when clothing and school supplies are temporarily exempt. The dates and items covered vary by location, so check your county's website if you plan to shop during that window.
Property tax: county-by-county variation
Property tax in Missouri is set by individual counties and is based on your home's assessed value. The state does not impose a statewide property tax rate. Instead, each county assesses property and sets its own tax rate. Rates range from about 0.4% to 1.6% of assessed value, with most counties falling between 0.7% and 1.2%.
Your property tax bill is calculated by multiplying your home's assessed value by your county's tax rate. The assessed value is not the same as what you paid for the house or what it is worth on the market — it is determined by the county assessor's office, usually based on recent sales of similar homes in your area. Assessments are typically updated every few years, though the schedule varies by county.
Missouri offers a homestead property tax exemption for owner-occupied homes, which reduces the assessed value and therefore your tax bill. The exemption amount varies by county but typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 off the assessed value. Seniors and disabled homeowners may may have access to for additional exemptions. You must file for these exemptions with your county assessor's office; they do not happen automatically.
Who does not pay Missouri income tax
Certain types of income are exempt from Missouri state income tax, which can significantly reduce your tax burden. Social Security benefits are never taxed by Missouri, regardless of your total income. Military pensions and survivor benefits are also exempt. Distributions from certain retirement accounts, including traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, are taxed, but withdrawals from Roth IRAs are not.
If you receive income from a pension or annuity purchased with after-tax dollars, that portion may be exempt. The rules are specific to how the pension was funded, so check with your pension provider or a tax professional if you are unsure whether your pension income is taxable in Missouri.
Workers' compensation benefits, unemployment benefits, and certain disability payments are also exempt from Missouri income tax. However, federal income tax may still explore to some of these, so exemption from state tax does not mean you owe nothing to the federal government.
Comparing Missouri's tax burden to other states
Missouri's income tax rate of 5.75% at the top bracket is moderate compared to other states. Some states have no income tax at all (Texas, Florida, Tennessee), while others top out at 10% or higher (California, New York). Missouri's sales tax base of 4.225% is also moderate, though when you add local taxes, your total can climb.
Property tax is where Missouri stands out as relatively low. The average effective property tax rate across the state is around 0.85% of home value, which is below the national average of roughly 1.1%. This makes Missouri attractive for homeowners, especially retirees who own their homes outright.
Overall, Missouri ranks in the middle range for total state tax burden. Your actual tax bill depends heavily on your income level, where you live within the state, and what type of income you earn. A retiree living on Social Security and a pension may pay very little state tax, while a high-income earner in a high-tax county will pay more.
How to find your exact local tax rates
Your county assessor's office maintains current information on property tax rates for your area. You can find contact information through your county government website. The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a list of all county and city sales tax rates, updated regularly, on its website.
For income tax, use the Missouri Department of Revenue's tax tables and brackets, which are updated each year. If you are self-employed or have complex income, consider consulting a tax professional or using tax preparation software that accounts for Missouri's specific rules.
Many county assessor offices and city halls also provide online tools where you can enter your address and see your combined sales tax rate when ready. This is the fastest way to confirm what you will pay at checkout in your specific location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri tax retirement income?
Missouri does not tax Social Security, military pensions, or survivor benefits. Distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are taxed as income, but Roth IRA withdrawals are not. Pension income from a private employer is taxed unless it was purchased with after-tax dollars. Check with your pension provider about your specific situation.
What is the sales tax rate where I live?
Missouri's base rate is 4.225%, but your county and city add local tax on top. The combined rate ranges from 5.225% to 8.6% depending on location. The Missouri Department of Revenue website has a searchable list of all county and city rates. You can also call your city or county tax office to confirm your exact rate.
Can I deduct Missouri state taxes on my federal return?
Yes, you can deduct Missouri state income tax, sales tax, or property tax on your federal return, but only if you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. The total deduction for all state and local taxes combined is capped at $10,000 per year. Most taxpayers find the standard deduction is larger, so they do not benefit from itemizing.
How often does my property get reassessed?
The schedule varies by county. Some counties reassess every year, others every two or three years. Contact your county assessor's office to find out the schedule for your area. You can also appeal your assessment if you believe it is too high, though the process and important date vary by county.
Is there a sales tax holiday in Missouri?
Many counties offer a back-to-school sales tax holiday, usually in August, when clothing and school supplies are exempt. The specific dates and items covered vary by county. Check your county's website or call the assessor's office to see if your area participates and what the exact dates are.