Key Tax Facts: Missouri
- Top rate of 4.7% for tax year 2025, reduced from 4.8%
- Social Security benefits are exempt for lower-income filers
- Federal income taxes paid are deductible (up to $10,000 single / $20,000 joint)
- Public pension income is partially exempt
Estimate Your 2026 Federal and Missouri State Income Tax
Missouri State Income Tax Overview
Missouri uses a graduated income tax with rates from 0% to 4.7%. Income below $1,313 is untaxed, and the rate climbs in half-point steps to a top rate of 4.7% on income above $9,191 for single filers. The top rate fell from 4.8% effective January 1, 2025 after revenue triggers set by S.B. 3 were met. Missouri uses the federal standard deduction, $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for joint filers, and allows a partial deduction for federal income taxes paid. Because the brackets are so narrow, nearly every full-time worker in Missouri pays the top marginal rate. Kansas City and St. Louis both levy a 1% local earnings tax on residents and on anyone working in those cities.
What Is Different About Missouri's Income Tax
Deductions and exemptions
Missouri uses the federal standard deduction and allows itemizing with federal amounts. It is one of a handful of states with a deduction for federal income tax paid, capped at $5,000 for single filers and $10,000 for joint filers, and it exempts the first $1,313 of income from tax for 2025. Kansas City and St. Louis each levy a 1% earnings tax on residents and those who work in the cities.
Credits worth knowing
Missouri's property tax credit, known as the circuit breaker, refunds property tax or rent for seniors and disabled residents below an income limit. Other credits include a credit for taxes paid to other states, a food pantry donation credit, and champion for children credits. There is no state earned income credit.
Retirement, capital gains, and other income
Social Security became fully exempt in 2024 regardless of income. Public pensions get a subtraction up to the maximum Social Security benefit, and private pensions a smaller exemption tied to income limits. Military retirement pay is fully exempt. Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 4.7% for 2025.
Rules summarized from the Missouri Department of Revenue guidance for tax year 2026. Amounts that index annually are described in general terms; confirm the current figure on the official form instructions.
Missouri Income Tax Brackets (2026) projected
These are the Missouri state income tax brackets for tax year 2026. Missouri applies the same brackets to all filing statuses, carried forward from 2025 pending official 2026 figures. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate -- not your entire income.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $1,313 | 0% |
| $1,313 - $2,626 | 2% |
| $2,626 - $3,939 | 2.5% |
| $3,939 - $5,252 | 3% |
| $5,252 - $6,565 | 3.5% |
| $6,565 - $7,878 | 4% |
| $7,878 - $9,191 | 4.5% |
| Over $9,191 | 4.7% |
Source: Missouri Department of Revenue. Missouri applies these brackets to all filing statuses.
What a Missouri Resident Actually Pays: A Worked Example
Your effective tax rate is almost always lower than your top bracket. Here is how the math works for a single filer earning $65,000.
Where Missouri Stands Among the 50 States
Missouri's top rate of 4.7% ranks #27 of the 41 states that tax wages. The median top rate across those 41 states is 5.2%, so Missouri is below the middle of the pack. It is one of 27 states with a graduated schedule, using 8 brackets; the top rate starts at $9,191 of taxable income, and the lowest bracket ends at $1,313.
On sales tax the picture is different: Missouri's combined state and average local rate of 8.28% ranks #12 of 50, against a national median of 7.00%.
Missouri State Tax at Five Income Levels (2026, single filer)
| Taxable income | Missouri tax | Effective rate | Marginal rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,704 | 4.26% | 4.7% |
| $65,000 | $2,879 | 4.43% | 4.7% |
| $100,000 | $4,524 | 4.52% | 4.7% |
| $150,000 | $6,874 | 4.58% | 4.7% |
| $250,000 | $11,574 | 4.63% | 4.7% |
Brackets applied directly to the taxable-income figure shown, before Missouri-specific deductions, exemptions, or credits. Federal tax is separate and comes on top of every row.
Missouri vs. Its Neighbors on $75,000 of Taxable Income
A Missouri resident with $75,000 of taxable income pays about $3,349 in state income tax. Of Missouri's 8 neighboring states, 4 would tax that income less and 4 would tax it more.
| State | Structure | Tax on $75,000 | Top rate | Sales tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (you) | Graduated | $3,349 | 4.7% | 8.28% |
| Tennessee | No income tax | $0 | None | 9.55% |
| Arkansas | Rate to 3.9% | $2,528 | 3.9% | 9.44% |
| Iowa | Rate to 3.8% | $2,850 | 3.8% | 6.94% |
| Kentucky | Rate to 4% | $3,000 | 4% | 6% |
| Oklahoma | Rate to 4.75% | $3,374 | 4.75% | 8.98% |
| Nebraska | Rate to 5.2% | $3,422 | 5.2% | 6.94% |
| Illinois | Rate to 4.95% | $3,713 | 4.95% | 8.82% |
| Kansas | Rate to 5.58% | $4,098 | 5.58% | 8.68% |
Frequently Asked Questions -- Missouri Income Tax
Does Missouri have a state income tax?
Yes. Missouri imposes a state income tax with a top marginal rate of 4.7%. This is separate from your federal income tax obligation.
What is the Missouri income tax rate for 2026?
Missouri uses a graduated income tax system with rates from 0% to 4.7%. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate -- not your entire income.
Do I have to file a Missouri state tax return?
Most full-year Missouri residents with income above the state filing threshold must file a state return. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue for current thresholds and requirements.
How accurate is this estimate?
The federal figure uses the official IRS 2026 brackets and standard deduction. The Missouri figure applies the 2026 single-filer rate schedule to the same taxable income; it does not model Missouri-specific deductions, exemptions, credits, or local income taxes, so treat it as a planning number and confirm with the Missouri Department of Revenue or a tax professional before filing.
How does Missouri compare with nearby states?
On $75,000 of taxable income, Missouri collects about $3,349. Tennessee collects $0, Arkansas collects $2,528, Iowa collects $2,850, Kentucky collects $3,000, Oklahoma collects $3,374, Nebraska collects $3,422, Illinois collects $3,713, Kansas collects $4,098. See the comparison table above.
Where does Missouri rank on state income tax?
Missouri's top rate of 4.7% ranks #27 of the 41 states with an income tax, against a median top rate of 5.2%. Its combined sales tax of 8.28% ranks #12 of 50.
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
Yes. It estimates your 2026 federal income tax using the official IRS 2026 brackets, then applies the Missouri rate schedule to the same taxable income and shows both figures plus the combined total.
Where can I find official Missouri tax forms?
Official forms, instructions, and filing guidance are available at the Missouri Department of Revenue.
What is the sales tax rate in Missouri?
Missouri's combined state and average local sales tax rate is 8.28%. This is separate from income tax and applies to most retail purchases -- use our sales tax calculator to check a specific purchase.
When are Missouri 2026 state taxes due?
2026 taxes are generally filed in 2027. The Missouri filing deadline is April 15, 2027, the same as the federal deadline.
Understanding Your Missouri Tax Estimate
Your results combine two separate bills: federal tax owed to the IRS, and Missouri state tax owed to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The state return is filed separately from your federal Form 1040, with a state filing deadline of April 15. For the mechanics of how bracket math actually works -- why your effective rate is almost always lower than your top bracket -- see our marginal vs. effective tax rate guide.
Lowering Your Missouri Bill
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce your federal and Missouri taxable income in the same move -- see our 401(k) contribution limits and HSA limits guides for the current caps. Beyond that, Missouri-specific credits and deductions that don't exist at the federal level are listed at the Missouri Department of Revenue -- worth checking, since these are easy to miss if you only look at federal guidance.
Combined Sales + Income Tax Picture
Missouri's combined state-plus-average-local sales tax rate is 8.28%. If you're self-employed, that's an added layer on top of income tax -- our self-employment tax calculator covers the SE-specific piece separately.
Disclaimer: Estimates for educational purposes only. State tax results are approximations based on published bracket data and do not account for all deductions, credits, exemptions, local taxes, or individual situations. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult the Missouri Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.