Missouri has progressive income tax rates topping out around 4.8% — relatively low compared to many states, with generous retirement exemptions. For retirees especially, Missouri is one of the more tax-friendly states in the Midwest. Note: Missouri has an ongoing trigger-based rate reduction law; confirm the current top rate with the Missouri Department of Revenue, as it may have declined further since this guide’s figures were last confirmed.
Missouri has historically had many narrow tax brackets with the top rate kicking in at a low income threshold — meaning virtually everyone earning a normal income pays close to the top marginal rate, making Missouri function more like a flat-tax state in practice.
See how Missouri compares to all states: State Income Tax Rates
Missouri Income Tax Rates for 2026
Confirm the exact current-year bracket thresholds and top rate with the Missouri Department of Revenue, as Missouri’s brackets are inflation-indexed and the top rate has a legislated trigger for further reductions.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate (last confirmed structure) |
|---|---|
| Lowest bracket | 0.0% |
| Several narrow brackets | 2.0% – 4.5% |
| Top bracket (last confirmed threshold ~$8,968+) | ~4.8% (confirm current rate) |
Effectively, Missouri has close to a flat top rate for most taxpayers, since the top bracket kicks in at a low income level.
Missouri Tax Calculator Examples (Illustrative)
Example 1: $75,000 Single Filer
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $75,000 |
| Tax on lower brackets | ~$300 |
| Tax on remainder at top rate (~4.8%) | ~$3,170 |
| Total MO state tax (illustrative) | ~$3,470 |
| Effective rate | ~4.6% |
Confirm the current top rate before relying on this figure precisely. For perspective on national income levels, see our income percentile calculator.
Example 2: $150,000 Married Filing Jointly
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $150,000 |
| Tax on lower brackets | ~$300 |
| Tax on remainder at top rate (~4.8%) | ~$6,770 |
| Total MO state tax (illustrative) | ~$7,070 |
| Effective rate | ~4.7% |
Missouri Standard Deduction
Missouri’s standard deduction has historically matched the federal amounts. For 2026, the federal standard deduction is $16,100 single / $32,200 married filing jointly / $24,150 head of household. Confirm that Missouri still conforms to these updated 2026 federal figures with the Missouri Department of Revenue, as this was not independently re-verified against a live Missouri source this session.
Most Missourians should take the standard deduction. Note that the federal SALT deduction cap was raised to $40,000 for 2025 (about $40,400 for 2026) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — a significant change from the prior $10,000 cap — which may make itemizing worthwhile for more filers with high mortgage interest, charitable donations, or medical expenses than in recent years.
Missouri Retirement Income Exemptions
Missouri offers retirement income exemptions — making it attractive for retirees relative to states that tax most retirement income at full rates.
For overall retirement planning, see our guides to 401(k) contribution limits and Social Security benefits.
Public Pension Exemption
Confirm current-year maximum exemption amounts for single and married filers with the Missouri Department of Revenue, as these figures are inflation-indexed annually and were not independently re-verified this session. This applies to Missouri state pensions, federal pensions, and military retirement.
Private Pension/IRA Exemption
Missouri has historically offered a modest exemption for private pension/IRA income for those 62+. Confirm the current amount with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Social Security
Missouri has historically fully exempted Social Security for the large majority of taxpayers, with taxation only above a relatively high AGI threshold. Confirm the current-year threshold with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
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 (confirm current AGI threshold)
- Public pension income (up to a confirmed cap)
- Private pension (up to a confirmed cap, if 62+)
- Missouri municipal bond interest
- Railroad retirement benefits
Missouri vs. Neighboring States
| State | Top Income Tax Rate (confirm current figures) |
|---|---|
| Iowa | 3.8% (flat) |
| Illinois | 4.95% (flat) |
| Arkansas | 3.7% (cut from 3.9% in May 2026) |
| Missouri | Confirm current top rate (last known ~4.8%) |
| Kansas | Confirm current top rate (recent legislation consolidated brackets) |
| Oklahoma | Confirm current top rate |
| Tennessee | 0% (no income tax) |
| Kentucky | 3.5% (flat, cut from 4.0% effective Jan. 1, 2026) |
Local Income Taxes
Missouri cities can levy local income taxes. Confirm current rates with Kansas City and St. Louis, as these were not independently re-verified this session — both cities have historically levied an earnings tax around 1%.
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
Confirm current state and combined local sales tax rates with the Missouri Department of Revenue, as these were not independently re-verified this session. Missouri’s combined sales tax rates have historically been relatively high, with groceries partially taxed at a reduced state rate plus local rates.
Tips to Reduce Missouri Taxes
- Claim retirement exemptions — Pension, Social Security deductions if you qualify
- Max retirement contributions — 401(k), IRA reduce taxable income
- KC/STL residents — Consider suburbs to avoid the local earnings tax
- HSA contributions — Triple tax advantage at the federal level
- Itemize if beneficial — the higher federal SALT cap ($40,400 for 2026) may change this calculus for some filers
- 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 that function close to a flat tax in practice, since the top bracket historically kicks in at a low income threshold. The state offers retirement exemptions including Social Security (mostly exempt), public pensions, and private pensions for those 62+. Kansas City and St. Louis residents pay an additional local earnings tax. Confirm the current top rate with the Missouri Department of Revenue, as the state has an ongoing trigger-based rate reduction law.
Best for: Retirees (generous exemptions), and anyone who values moderate taxation with access to major metros.
Watch out for: Sales taxes that can be high in combined local rates, local income taxes in KC and St. Louis, and property taxes that vary significantly by county.
Related: State Income Tax Rates | Income Percentile Calculator | 401(k) Contribution Limits | Minnesota Income Tax Guide | Michigan Income Tax Guide | Cost of Living by State
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