MO

Missouri Paycheck Calculator

See exactly what you take home after federal taxes, Missouri state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Updated for 2026.

State tax: 4.8% SS: 6.2% Medicare: 1.45% 2026 brackets
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1099 freelancer note: You owe both halves of Social Security & Medicare — that's 15.3% self-employment tax on top of income tax. Quarterly estimated payments due Apr 15, Jun 16, Sep 15, Jan 15.
Missouri state income tax (2026) Missouri top rate is 4.8% for income over $9,072.
Rates from 1.5% to 4.8% (over $9,072)

Missouri Income Tax Explained (2026)

Missouri has a state income tax with a progressive (2%–4.8%) structure. Workers earning typical wages generally pay an effective state rate between 2.4% and 4.8% depending on income and deductions. Understanding how Missouri's tax works helps you accurately predict your take-home pay and plan your withholding.

Missouri residents also pay federal income tax (10%–37%), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), and Medicare (1.45%). The combination of federal and state taxes is the primary driver of the gap between your gross pay and your actual paycheck.

How Missouri compares to neighboring states

Kansas
Up to 5.7%
Higher top rate
Illinois
4.95% flat
Similar
Tennessee
No income tax
Zero tax
Arkansas
4.4% top rate
Similar

What taxes come out of a Missouri paycheck?

A Missouri W-2 employee's paycheck is reduced by federal income tax (progressive 10%–37%), Missouri state income tax (progressive (2%–4.8%)), Social Security at 6.2% on wages up to $184,500, and Medicare at 1.45% on all wages. High earners above $200,000 also pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on excess wages.

Missouri freelancers and 1099 contractors pay self-employment tax of 15.3% — covering both employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare — on top of both federal and state income taxes. Half of the self-employment tax is deductible from federal adjusted gross income, reducing the effective burden slightly. Missouri freelancers must also make quarterly estimated state tax payments.

Missouri tax tips for 2026

  • Recent rate cut: Missouri's top rate dropped to 4.8% in 2024, down from 5.3%. Missouri aims to cut it further to 4.5% contingent on revenue triggers.
  • Federal income tax deduction: Missouri allows residents to deduct federal income taxes paid (up to certain limits) on their state return — reducing effective Missouri taxable income.
  • Standard deduction: Missouri conforms to federal standard deduction amounts ($13,850 single / $27,700 married in 2026) for most purposes.
  • Retirement exemption: Missouri exempts Social Security for residents with AGI under $85,000 single / $100,000 married. Public pension income from Missouri retirement systems is also partially exempt.

Frequently asked questions

Missouri has a progressive income tax with rates starting at 2% on taxable income up to $1,173 and reaching 4.8% on income above $9,384. Because the top bracket threshold is very low, most workers earning above $25,000 pay the 4.8% rate on the vast majority of their taxable income. Missouri has been cutting its top rate and may reduce it further to 4.5%.
For a single filer earning $75,000 in Missouri in 2026, after applicable deductions (including the federal income tax deduction), state income tax is approximately $2,300–$2,600. Combined with federal tax (~$10,294), Social Security ($4,650), and Medicare ($1,088), total deductions are roughly $18,632. Take-home is approximately $56,368/year or ~$2,168 bi-weekly.
Yes. Missouri allows a deduction for federal income taxes paid, up to a limit based on filing status and income. This deduction can significantly reduce your Missouri taxable income and state tax liability, particularly for higher earners in higher federal brackets. This is a relatively rare provision among states and one of Missouri's most taxpayer-friendly features.
Missouri exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax for residents with federal AGI up to $85,000 (single) or $100,000 (married). Above those thresholds, Social Security may be partially taxable in Missouri. The exemption makes Missouri moderately retiree-friendly for middle-income retirees, though high-income retirees may still owe some Missouri tax on their Social Security.
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