Missouri's statewide sales tax rate

Missouri's statewide sales tax is 4.225 percent. This is the base rate that applies across the state, but your actual sales tax will usually be higher because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of it.

The statewide rate has been 4.225 percent since 1992. It funds education, transportation, and other state services. When you buy something in Missouri, you pay this rate plus whatever local sales tax your city or county has set.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri's statewide sales tax is 4.225 percent, but most purchases are subject to additional local taxes that can range from 0.5 to 2.5 percent or more.
  • The total sales tax you pay depends on where you make the purchase, since each city and county sets its own local rate.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some 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 in your area.

How local taxes add to the statewide rate

Most Missouri cities and counties charge their own sales tax on top of the 4.225 percent state rate. These local rates vary widely—some areas add as little as 0.5 percent, while others add 2.5 percent or more. The combined total is what you actually pay at checkout.

For example, if you buy something in Kansas City, you pay the 4.225 percent state rate plus Kansas City's local rate of 1.25 percent, for a total of 5.475 percent. In St. Louis, the city rate is 1.25 percent, bringing the total to 5.475 percent. In Springfield, the combined rate is 5.975 percent. The same item costs different amounts in sales tax depending on which city you're in.

Some counties also charge a separate county sales tax in addition to city taxes. This means a single purchase can be subject to the state rate, a city rate, and a county rate all at once. The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a complete list of all local rates by location.

What is and isn't taxed in Missouri

Not everything you buy in Missouri is subject to sales tax. Groceries—food you cook at home—are not taxed. This includes meat, produce, dairy, bread, and other items you'd buy at a supermarket for meals. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, but raw groceries are not.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Missouri. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but anything you need a prescription to buy is not. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, such as wheelchairs or oxygen equipment, is also exempt.

Clothing is taxed in Missouri, as are most household goods, electronics, and services. If you're unsure whether a specific item is taxed, the retailer can tell you, or you can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Finding your exact local sales tax rate

Your total sales tax rate depends on your exact location—sometimes even the street you're on matters if you're near a city boundary. The fastest way to find your rate is to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue's sales tax lookup tool on their website. Enter your address, and it will show you the combined state and local rate for that location.

You can also call a local retailer and ask what sales tax rate applies to their store, or check your receipt from a recent purchase—the sales tax rate is printed there. If you're buying something online and shipping it to Missouri, the retailer should calculate the correct rate for your delivery address at checkout.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you buy something online from a retailer and have it shipped to Missouri, you owe Missouri sales tax on that purchase. Most large online retailers now collect and send this tax automatically, so you'll see it added at checkout. The rate applied is based on your shipping address in Missouri.

If you buy something from an out-of-state retailer that doesn't collect Missouri sales tax, you are technically responsible for reporting and paying the tax yourself on your state tax return. In practice, most people do not do this, but the tax is legally owed. This is called "use tax" and it's the same rate as sales tax.

Special sales tax situations

Missouri offers a sales tax holiday in August for school supplies and clothing. During this period, certain items like notebooks, pens, backpacks, and clothing under a set price are sold without sales tax. The exact dates and price limits change each year, so check the Missouri Department of Revenue website in July to see what qualifies.

Some nonprofits and government agencies can buy items without paying sales tax if they have a resale certificate or tax-exempt status. Individuals cannot claim tax-exempt status—only organizations registered with the state can do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the highest sales tax rate in Missouri?

The highest combined rates are in certain areas where city and county taxes stack on top of the state rate. Some locations reach 8 percent or slightly higher, but this varies by exact address. Use the Missouri Department of Revenue lookup tool to find your specific rate.

Do I pay sales tax on used items?

Yes, used items are subject to the same sales tax as new ones when you buy them from a retailer. If you buy something from an individual in a private sale, no sales tax is charged. Sales tax applies to the transaction, not the age of the item.

Is there sales tax on services in Missouri?

Most services are not taxed in Missouri. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, and similar services are generally tax-free. However, some specific services like certain telecommunications services may be taxed. When in doubt, ask the service provider.

Can I get a refund of sales tax I paid?

No, sales tax is not refundable once you've paid it. If you return an item and get your money back, the sales tax is also refunded as part of that return. But you cannot claim a refund of sales tax you've already paid on items you keep.

Do I need to register for anything to pay sales tax?

If you're a consumer making purchases, you don't register for anything—sales tax is calculated automatically at checkout. If you own a business and sell items, you need to register with the Missouri Department of Revenue to collect and report sales tax.