Missouri Tax Calculator 2026

Missouri Tax Overview

Missouri Income Tax Brackets 2026

Missouri uses a graduated income tax system with rates ranging from 2% to 4.8%. The state has been progressively reducing its top marginal rate over the past several years as part of a multi-year tax reform plan. The top rate of 4.8% applies to taxable income exceeding $8,968 for all filers. This relatively low threshold means most working Missourians reach the top bracket fairly quickly, making the system functionally close to a flat tax for middle- and upper-income earners.

Missouri allows taxpayers to deduct a portion of their federal income tax from their state taxable income, which is an unusual provision shared by only a handful of states. This deduction is capped at $5,000 for single filers and $10,000 for married filing jointly. This effectively reduces the state income tax burden, particularly for higher-income taxpayers.

Missouri Standard Deduction

Missouri conforms to the federal standard deduction amounts. For 2026, the standard deduction is approximately $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. Missouri also offers a personal exemption of $2,100 per person, which further reduces taxable income. The combination of the standard deduction, personal exemption, and the federal tax deduction makes Missouri's effective income tax burden lower than the statutory rates might suggest.

Missouri Sales Tax

Missouri's state sales tax rate is 4.225%, which is moderate by national standards. However, Missouri allows extensive local sales tax levying by cities, counties, and special taxing districts. The result is that the average combined state and local sales tax rate across Missouri is approximately 8.38%, which is above the national average.

Some areas in Missouri have combined rates that exceed 10%, particularly in urban areas where multiple local taxing authorities overlap. Kansas City and St. Louis both have combined rates approaching or exceeding 9%. Missouri taxes most tangible goods, but groceries are taxed at a reduced state rate of 1.225%, though local taxes still apply to food purchases.

Notable Local Rates

• Kansas City — approximately 9.10% combined
• St. Louis City — approximately 9.68% combined
• Springfield — approximately 8.10% combined
• Columbia — approximately 8.48% combined
• Independence — approximately 9.35% combined

Missouri Property Tax

Missouri's effective property tax rate is approximately 0.88%, which is slightly below the national average of about 1.07%. Property in Missouri is assessed at different rates depending on its classification: residential property is assessed at 19% of market value, commercial property at 32%, and agricultural land at 12%. The tax rate is then applied to the assessed value, not the full market value.

Property tax rates vary considerably across Missouri's counties. St. Louis County typically has the highest effective rates, often exceeding 1.2%, while rural counties in southern Missouri may have effective rates below 0.5%. Missouri offers a property tax credit (circuit breaker) for low-income seniors and disabled individuals, providing up to $750 in relief for renters and $1,100 for homeowners.

Missouri Social Security and Retirement Tax Benefits

Missouri has become increasingly friendly to retirees regarding state income tax. Social Security benefits are fully exempt from Missouri state income tax for taxpayers with adjusted gross income below $85,000 (single) or $100,000 (married filing jointly). For those above these thresholds, a partial deduction may still apply.

Public pension income, including from the Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS), is partially deductible. Private pension and retirement income, including 401(k) and IRA distributions, are taxed as regular income, though the federal tax deduction and standard deduction provide some cushion. Missouri does not have an estate tax or inheritance tax.

Missouri vs. Neighboring States

Missouri sits at the crossroads of several states with very different tax profiles, giving residents meaningful choices when considering tax burden:

• Kansas — 3.1%-5.7% graduated income tax, 6.5% state sales tax, 1.33% property tax. Kansas has a higher top income tax rate and significantly higher property taxes than Missouri.
• Illinois — 4.95% flat income tax, 6.25% state sales tax, 1.95% property tax. Illinois' flat rate is slightly higher than Missouri's top rate, and its property taxes are more than double Missouri's average.
• Tennessee — No income tax on wages, 7% state sales tax, 0.56% property tax. A good option for those prioritizing income tax savings, though sales taxes are higher.
• Oklahoma — 0.25%-4.75% graduated income tax, 4.5% state sales tax, 0.85% property tax. Very similar overall tax profile to Missouri, with slightly lower income and property taxes.
• Arkansas — 2%-4.4% graduated income tax, 6.5% state sales tax, 0.63% property tax. Lower top income tax rate and lower property taxes, but higher state sales tax rate.

Use our state comparison calculator to see exactly how much you could save in a neighboring state.