Missouri's statewide sales tax is 4.225 percent
Missouri charges a state sales tax of 4.225 percent on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your total sales tax bill is usually higher because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.
The combined rate you actually pay depends on where you make the purchase. In some Missouri counties, the total sales tax reaches 8 percent or higher when you add state, county, and city taxes together. A purchase that costs $100 in one city might have $7 in sales tax, while the same purchase in another city could have $8.50 in sales tax.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's state sales tax rate is 4.225 percent, but your actual tax rate includes local additions from your county and city.
- Combined sales tax rates in Missouri range from about 5.725 percent to over 8 percent depending on location.
- Most goods are taxable, but groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are exempt from Missouri sales tax.
- You can find your exact local sales tax rate by entering your address on the Missouri Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer.
How local taxes add to the state rate
Missouri allows counties and cities to impose their own sales taxes on top of the state rate. Most counties add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. Cities often add another 0.5 to 2 percent. The combination means your total rate is the state 4.225 percent plus whatever your local government charges.
For example, St. Louis city has a combined rate of 8.2 percent (state plus local). Kansas City's combined rate is 8.6 percent. Rural areas with fewer local taxes might have a combined rate closer to 5.725 percent. The only way to know your exact rate is to check your specific address, since rates can differ between neighboring cities.
What is and is not taxed in Missouri
Most items you buy in stores are subject to sales tax in Missouri. Clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods all get taxed at your local combined rate. Appliances, tools, toys, and books are also taxable.
Several categories are exempt from sales tax. Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed. Prescription medications are exempt. Medical equipment and devices prescribed by a doctor are not taxed. Certain services, like haircuts and repairs, are also exempt. However, prepared food — meals at restaurants or food from a deli counter — is taxed.
Finding your exact sales tax rate
The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and the tool shows your combined state and local sales tax rate. This is the most accurate way to find out what you will pay on a purchase in your location.
You can also call a local retailer or your city or county tax assessor's office. Many retailers have the rate posted near the register or can tell you over the phone. Your city hall or county courthouse can also provide the exact rate for your location. Since rates can shift when local governments change their tax ordinances, checking directly is faster than relying on older information.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
Missouri requires online retailers to collect and send sales tax if they have a physical presence in the state or meet certain sales thresholds. Most large online retailers now collect Missouri sales tax at checkout. However, some smaller sellers may not, and you may be responsible for reporting the tax yourself on your state tax return.
If you buy something from an out-of-state retailer that does not collect Missouri sales tax, Missouri law says you owe "use tax" on that purchase. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax but is rarely enforced for individual purchases. It is meant to prevent people from avoiding tax by buying out of state.
Sales tax on vehicles and major purchases
Missouri applies sales tax to vehicle purchases, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and is typically collected when you register the vehicle with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Trade-in value is subtracted from the purchase price before tax is calculated.
If you buy a vehicle out of state and bring it to Missouri, you still owe Missouri sales tax or use tax on it. You pay this when you register the vehicle in Missouri. The same rule applies to boats and other titled property. This prevents people from avoiding Missouri tax by purchasing vehicles across state lines.
How sales tax changes by county and city
| Location | Combined Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| St. Louis city | 8.2% |
| Kansas City | 8.6% |
| Springfield | 7.975% |
| Columbia | 7.725% |
| Rural areas (example) | 5.725% |
The rates shown are examples and change when local governments adjust their taxes. Some counties have no additional county tax, relying only on city taxes. Others have both county and city additions. The state rate of 4.225 percent applies everywhere, but the local portion varies widely across the state.
Major cities tend to have higher combined rates because they layer city tax on top of county tax on top of the state rate. Smaller towns and unincorporated areas often have lower combined rates because they may have only county tax or minimal city tax. Checking the Missouri Department of Revenue lookup tool for your specific address gives you the exact rate that applies to your purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri's sales tax higher or lower than neighboring states?
Missouri's state rate of 4.225 percent is lower than Kansas (6.5 percent) and Oklahoma (4.5 percent), but higher than Arkansas (6.5 percent combined state rate). When you add local taxes, Missouri's combined rates are competitive with neighboring states, though major cities like Kansas City and St. Louis have higher combined rates than rural areas.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Missouri?
No. Groceries and food for home consumption are exempt from Missouri sales tax. This includes items like bread, milk, vegetables, and meat from the grocery store. However, prepared food from a restaurant, deli counter, or food truck is taxed at your local rate.
What if I buy something online from a company with no Missouri location?
If the retailer does not collect Missouri sales tax, you technically owe use tax on the purchase at your local rate. However, this is rarely enforced for individual purchases. Large online retailers now collect the tax automatically, so most online purchases are already taxed.
Can I get a sales tax refund if I move out of Missouri?
No. Sales tax is not refundable once you have paid it. If you buy something in Missouri and move out of state, you cannot get the tax back. However, if you buy something out of state and move to Missouri, you do not owe additional tax on items you already own.