Missouri Sales Tax Rates and What They Apply To

Missouri's statewide sales tax rate is 4.225 percent

Missouri charges a state sales tax of 4.225 percent on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your actual sales tax will almost always be higher because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.

The total sales tax you pay depends on where you make the purchase. A transaction in Kansas City will have a different total rate than one in Springfield or a rural county. Local rates range from about 0.5 percent to over 2 percent, so your combined state and local rate could be anywhere from roughly 4.7 percent to over 6 percent.

Key Takeaways

• Missouri's state sales tax is 4.225 percent, but local cities and counties add additional taxes that vary by location.
• Combined sales tax rates across Missouri range from approximately 4.7 percent to over 6 percent depending on your city and county.
• Groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are exempt from Missouri sales tax in most cases.
• Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not subject to sales tax in Missouri.
• Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may or may not be taxed depending on whether the seller has a physical presence in Missouri.

How local taxes stack on top of the state rate

Missouri allows cities and counties to impose their own sales taxes in addition to the state rate. A city might charge 1 percent, and the county another 0.5 percent, which would be added to the 4.225 percent state rate. This means you could pay 5.725 percent total in that location.

Some cities and counties have multiple local tax districts that each add a small percentage. The exact combination depends on the specific address where the purchase happens. A store near a city border might have a different rate than the same store a few blocks away in a different jurisdiction.

To find the exact rate for a specific location, you can use the Missouri Department of Revenue's sales tax lookup tool on its website, or ask the retailer directly. The rate is always displayed at checkout.

What is and is not taxed in Missouri

Groceries and food are exempt from Missouri sales tax. This includes items like bread, milk, vegetables, and meat purchased at a grocery store. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and food bought at convenience stores are taxed.

Prescription medications are not subject to sales tax in Missouri. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold remedies are taxed. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor, such as diabetic supplies or mobility aids, are also exempt.

Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or accounting consultation is not subject to sales tax. However, if you buy a product as part of that service—such as hair dye at a salon or parts at a repair shop—the product itself may be taxed.

Clothing is taxed in Missouri, with no exemption for children's clothing or any other category. Shoes and accessories are also taxed.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

When you buy from an online retailer, sales tax depends on whether that seller has a physical presence in Missouri. If the company has a warehouse, office, or other location in the state, it must collect Missouri sales tax on your purchase. If it does not have a presence in Missouri, the seller typically does not collect the tax.

However, Missouri law requires you to pay use tax on purchases where sales tax was not collected. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax and applies to items you bring into Missouri or have delivered here. In practice, most individual buyers do not report use tax on their tax returns, though technically they are required to do so.

Large online retailers like Amazon now collect sales tax in all states, including Missouri, because they have distribution centers and other operations nationwide. Smaller sellers may not, so the tax treatment varies by company.

Special sales tax situations in Missouri

Missouri offers a sales tax holiday in August for school supplies and clothing. During this period, which typically lasts one week, certain items like notebooks, pens, clothing, and shoes are not taxed. The exact dates and list of items change each year, so check the Missouri Department of Revenue website before the holiday begins.

Resale certificates allow businesses to buy items without paying sales tax if they plan to resell those items. This prevents tax from being charged twice—once when the business buys the item and again when the customer buys it. Only registered businesses can use resale certificates.

Some nonprofits and government agencies may be exempt from sales tax on certain purchases. The exemption rules are specific and require documentation, so these organizations should contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly.

How to find your exact local sales tax rate

The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your address or zip code, and it shows you the combined state and local rate for that location. This is the most accurate way to find your rate because it accounts for all the local tax districts that explore to your specific address.

You can also call the Missouri Department of Revenue directly or visit a local tax office. Retailers are required to display the sales tax rate at the point of sale, so you will see the exact amount charged on your receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Missouri's sales tax higher or lower than neighboring states?

Missouri's combined state and local rates (roughly 4.7 to 6 percent) are generally in the middle range compared to neighboring states. Kansas has a lower state rate but similar local variations. Illinois has a higher state rate. The exact comparison depends on which specific city or county you are comparing.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Missouri?

No. Groceries purchased at a supermarket or grocery store are exempt from Missouri sales tax. This includes items like bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, and meat. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items bought at convenience stores are taxed.

What happens if a store charges me the wrong sales tax?

If you notice an error on your receipt, ask the store to correct it when ready. Most retailers have systems to catch these mistakes, but errors do happen. Keep your receipt and contact the store's customer service if the issue is not resolved at checkout.

Do I owe use tax on items I buy online from out-of-state sellers?

Technically yes, if the seller did not collect Missouri sales tax. Use tax is owed at the same rate as sales tax. However, most individual buyers do not report it on their tax returns. The Missouri Department of Revenue provides a line on the state income tax form where you can report use tax if you choose to.