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Missouri Taxes: What You Need to Know

Understanding Missouri’s tax structure is essential for accurately estimating your take-home pay. The Show-Me State’s tax system encompasses federal, state, and local withholdings — and several deductions that significantly impact your net income.

Let’s delve deeper into each component below.

Federal, State, and Local Tax Withholding in Missouri in 2026

Federal Income Tax

In 2026, Missouri residents are subject to federal income tax rates, which are based on a progressive tax system. The federal income tax brackets are structured as follows:

• 10% on taxable income up to $12,400
• 12% on income from $12,401 to $50,400
• 22% on income from $50,401 to $105,700
• 24% on income from $105,701 to $201,775
• 32% on income from $201,776 to $256,225
• 35% on income from $256,226 to $640,600
• 37% on income over $640,600

These tax brackets are adjusted annually by the IRS to account for inflation, impacting how much residents owe based on their income.

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Missouri State Income Tax

Missouri employs a progressive state income tax system. For 2026, the state tax brackets are structured as follows:

This structure means that those with higher incomes pay a greater percentage in state taxes, ensuring a more equitable tax burden based on income levels. These bracket thresholds apply equally to all filing statuses — only the standard deduction differs by filing status.

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Local Taxes

While Missouri does not impose a statewide local income tax, two major cities impose their own earnings taxes.

Kansas City imposes a local earnings tax of 1.0% on residents on all earned income, and 1.0% on nonresidents on income earned for work performed within Kansas City city limits. Employers with workers in Kansas City must register separately with the city’s Revenue Division and withhold accordingly.

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St. Louis City imposes a local earnings tax of 1.0% on residents on all earned income regardless of where they work, and on nonresidents for income earned while working within the City of St. Louis. Retirees whose income comes solely from Social Security, pensions, or retirement accounts do not pay this tax.

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In addition, Missouri has a state sales tax rate of 4.225%, and local jurisdictions can add their own rates, resulting in a higher combined rate in many areas.

FICA & State Insurance Taxes in Missouri in 2026

FICA taxes include Social Security and Medicare contributions. For 2026:

• Social Security Tax: 6.2% per employee on wages up to $184,500
• Medicare Tax: 1.45% on all wages, with an additional 0.9% on income over $200,000 (single filers) or $250,000 (married filing jointly)

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Missouri does not impose a separate state paid leave or disability insurance tax. The state’s unemployment insurance program is employer-funded only — no deductions are made from employees’ wages.

Pre-Tax Deductions (Medical Insurance, 401K, etc.) in Missouri in 2026

Pre-tax deductions are essential for reducing taxable income, thereby lowering tax liability. Here are the common pre-tax deductions applicable to Missouri residents:

Health Insurance Premiums

Employee contributions toward medical, dental, and vision insurance through employer-sponsored plans are generally pre-tax. This reduces both the taxable income and the amount of federal, state, and FICA taxes owed.

401(k) Contributions

Contributions to 401(k) retirement plans are made on a pre-tax basis, allowing employees to save for retirement while also lowering their taxable income. In 2026, the maximum contribution limit for a 401(k) plan is $24,500, with an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution permitted for individuals aged 50 and older, or $11,250 for those aged 60–63 under SECURE 2.0.

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Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): For individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans, the contribution limits for 2026 are $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for families.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Employees can contribute up to $3,400 pre-tax for eligible medical expenses in 2026, with a maximum carryover of $680 into the following plan year.

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Median Household Income in Missouri

As of 2023, the median household income in Missouri was $68,920, reflecting continued economic growth across the state. This figure represents an increase from $65,920 in 2022.

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Missouri’s median household income ranks below the national median of $77,719. Income varies significantly across the state — the St. Charles County and outer Kansas City suburban corridor typically sees median incomes well above $85,000, while St. Louis City and many rural communities trend lower.

Missouri Tax Brackets 2026

The tax brackets are the same across all filing statuses, but the standard deduction amounts vary. (Source)

• $0 to $1,348: Tax rate is 0%.
• $1,348.01 to $2,696: Tax is 2.0% of the amount over $1,348.
• $2,696.01 to $4,044: Tax is $27 plus 2.5% of the amount over $2,696.
• $4,044.01 to $5,392: Tax is $61 plus 3.0% of the amount over $4,044.
• $5,392.01 to $6,740: Tax is $101 plus 3.5% of the amount over $5,392.
• $6,740.01 to $8,088: Tax is $148 plus 4.0% of the amount over $6,740.
• $8,088.01 to $9,436: Tax is $202 plus 4.5% of the amount over $8,088.
• Over $9,436: Tax is $263 plus 4.7% of the amount over $9,436.

Standard Deduction for Missouri (2026)

The Missouri standard deduction is aligned with the federal standard deduction and updated annually. For 2026, the amounts are: (Source)

• Single Filer: $16,100
• Married — Spouse Does Not Work: $32,200
• Married — Spouse Works: $16,100
• Married Filing Separately: $16,100
• Head of Household: $24,150

These amounts reflect the same deduction levels used at the federal level for each filing category. For married employees where both spouses work, each employer applies the $16,100 deduction. Where the spouse is not employed and the employee marks this on Form MO W-4, the full $32,200 standard deduction applies.