Missouri has progressive income tax rates from 0% to 4.8% — relatively low compared to many states, with generous retirement exemptions.
Missouri Income Tax Rates for 2026
Missouri’s tax brackets are narrow — almost everyone over $8,968 pays the top rate:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $1,207 | 0.0% |
| $1,207 - $2,414 | 2.0% |
| $2,414 - $3,621 | 2.5% |
| $3,621 - $4,828 | 3.0% |
| $4,828 - $6,035 | 3.5% |
| $6,035 - $7,242 | 4.0% |
| $7,242 - $8,968 | 4.5% |
| Over $8,968 | 4.8% |
Effectively, Missouri has close to a flat 4.8% rate for most taxpayers.
Missouri Tax Calculator Examples
Example 1: $75,000 Single Filer
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $75,000 |
| Tax on first $8,968 | ~$300 |
| Tax on remaining ($75,000 - $8,968) × 4.8% | $3,170 |
| Total MO state tax | ~$3,470 |
| Effective rate | 4.63% |
Example 2: $150,000 Married Filing Jointly
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $150,000 |
| Tax on first $8,968 | ~$300 |
| Tax on remaining ($150,000 - $8,968) × 4.8% | $6,770 |
| Total MO state tax | ~$7,070 |
| Effective rate | 4.71% |
Missouri Standard Deduction (2026)
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $14,600 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $29,200 |
| Married Filing Separately | $14,600 |
| Head of Household | $21,900 |
Missouri’s standard deduction now matches federal amounts.
Missouri Retirement Income Exemptions
Missouri offers generous retirement income exemptions:
Public Pension Exemption
| Filing Status | Maximum Exemption |
|---|---|
| Single | $34,341 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $38,156 |
Applies to: Missouri state pensions, federal pensions, military retirement
Private Pension/IRA Exemption
| Age | Exemption Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 62 | $0 |
| 62 or older | Up to $6,000 |
Social Security
Fully exempt for most taxpayers (only taxed if AGI exceeds $85,000 single / $100,000 married)
What Income is Taxed in Missouri?
Taxed:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Interest and dividends
- Capital gains (taxed as ordinary income)
- Retirement income (above exemptions)
- Rental income
Not taxed or exempt:
- Social Security — Mostly exempt
- Public pension income (up to $34-38K)
- Private pension (up to $6K if 62+)
- Missouri municipal bond interest
- Railroad retirement benefits
Missouri vs. Neighboring States
| State | Top Income Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Iowa | 5.7% |
| Illinois | 4.95% (flat) |
| Arkansas | 4.4% |
| Missouri | 4.8% |
| Kansas | 5.7% |
| Oklahoma | 4.75% |
| Tennessee | 0% (no income tax) |
| Kentucky | 4.0% (flat) |
Local Income Taxes
Missouri cities can levy local income taxes:
| City | Local Income Tax |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | 1.0% |
| St. Louis City | 1.0% |
| Other cities | Generally none |
If you work in KC or STL, add 1% to your effective rate.
Filing Missouri State Taxes
| Filing Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Form | MO-1040 |
| Due date | April 15 (with federal) |
| E-file | Yes, through MO DOR |
| Extension | Automatic 6-month if federal filed |
Missouri Sales Tax
- State rate: 4.225%
- Local option: Up to ~5.6% additional
- Total possible: ~10%+
- Groceries partially taxed (1.225% state + local)
Missouri’s combined sales tax rates are among the highest in the nation.
Tips to Reduce Missouri Taxes
- Claim retirement exemptions — Pension, Social Security deductions
- Max retirement contributions — 401(k), IRA reduce taxable income
- KC/STL residents — Consider suburbs to avoid 1% local tax
- HSA contributions — Triple tax advantage
- Itemize if beneficial — SALT, mortgage interest
- Capital loss harvesting — Offset gains
Missouri Tax Authority
Missouri Department of Revenue
- Website: dor.mo.gov
- Phone: 573-751-3505
- For refunds, returns, and questions
Bottom Line
Missouri has progressive income tax rates from 0% to 4.8%, but the top rate kicks in at just $8,968 — making it effectively a near-flat tax. The state offers generous retirement exemptions including Social Security (mostly exempt), public pensions (up to $38K exempt), and private pensions ($6K if 62+). Kansas City and St. Louis residents pay an additional 1% local income tax.