How Missouri taxes your paycheck
Missouri taxes income in small steps that top out at 4.7%. In 2026 the first $1,348 of taxable income is tax-free. Anything above $9,436 is taxed at 4.7%, so most workers pay close to that rate.
Missouri uses the same standard deduction as your federal return: $16,100 if single and $32,200 for a married couple in 2026. There are no personal exemptions and no state disability or paid leave deduction. Kansas City and St. Louis add a 1% earnings tax.
For example, a single person earns $60,000 and puts $3,000 in a 401(k) and $2,000 toward health insurance. Missouri taxes $38,900, for about $1,647.67 for the year. This is an estimate, not your exact bill.
Missouri tax rates and rules for 2026
Missouri has graduated rates from 2% to 4.7%.
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $1,348 | 0% |
| $1,348 to $2,696 | 2% |
| $2,696 to $4,044 | 2.5% |
| $4,044 to $5,392 | 3% |
| $5,392 to $6,740 | 3.5% |
| $6,740 to $8,088 | 4% |
| $8,088 to $9,436 | 4.5% |
| Over $9,436 | 4.7% |
- Starts from
- Wages after pre-tax deductions
- 401(k) contributions
- Lower your state taxable wages
- Standard deduction
- Same as the federal standard deduction
Local taxes
Kansas City and St. Louis each charge a 1% earnings tax. It applies to residents of those cities and to people who work there, and this estimate leaves it out.
This calculator covers the state tax only, so add any local tax on top.
What this estimate leaves out
- The 1% earnings tax in Kansas City and St. Louis, paid by residents and by nonresidents who work in the city.
- Missouri's deduction for part of the federal income tax you paid. It is larger at lower incomes, is capped at $5,000 ($10,000 on a combined married return), and ends once Missouri adjusted gross income passes $125,000. Leaving it out can make this estimate a little high.
- Brackets come from the Missouri DOR's 2026 withholding formula; the 2026 tax-return tables weren't published when checked.
- Itemized deductions and credits such as the property tax credit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there local income tax in Missouri?
Only in two cities. Kansas City and St. Louis each charge a 1% earnings tax. You pay it if you live in the city, or if you live elsewhere but work there. This calculator doesn't add it.
Does Missouri tax 401(k) contributions?
No. Missouri starts from your federal income, so traditional 401(k) and 403(b) contributions are left out. Roth contributions are taxed as normal pay.
What is Missouri's standard deduction in 2026?
It matches the federal amount: $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $24,150 for heads of household.
Are Missouri's brackets different for married couples?
No. Missouri uses one rate table for everyone. A married couple gets a bigger standard deduction, but the brackets themselves are the same.
Sources
- Missouri DOR: 2026 Missouri Withholding Tax Formula (brackets, rates, standard deductions)
- Missouri DOR: Employer's Tax Guide, Form 4282 (2026)
- Missouri DOR: Form MO-1040 instructions (federal income tax deduction)
- City of Kansas City, Missouri: Earnings tax
Figures checked 2026-10-25. The federal side uses the same 2026 rules as the main paycheck calculator, where the formula and method are explained. Found a problem? Tell us.