Free Missouri Payroll Tax Calculator

Missouri Payroll Tax Calculator (Step-by-Step)

Understanding your paycheck is crucial, and our Missouri Payroll Tax Calculator simplifies the process. Follow these easy steps to get an accurate estimate of your net pay:

Step 1: Enter Your Location and Filing Status

Country: Ensure “United States” is selected. (This is pre-filled.)
Province/State: Choose “Missouri” from the dropdown menu. (This is pre-filled.)
Local Tax (if applicable): If you live or work in Kansas City or St. Louis, indicate this as these cities have a 1% local earnings tax.
Federal Filing Status: Select your current federal filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.) from the dropdown. This reflects how you file your federal taxes.
Federal Allowances: Enter the number of federal allowances you are claiming. This number affects the amount of federal income tax withheld from your paycheck. (Use your W-4 form as a guide.)
State Filing Status: Choose your current Missouri state filing status from the dropdown (e.g., Single, Married, Head of Household). Missouri uses specific filing statuses such as “Single or Married Spouse Works or Married Filing Separate,” “Married (Spouse does not work),” and “Head of Household.” Confirm based on your state tax situation (refer to Form MO W-4).
State Withholding (Form MO W-4): The Missouri MO W-4 form allows for adjustments to your withholding.
- Additional Withholding: You can enter an additional amount to be withheld each pay period if you expect to owe more due to other income (e.g., interest, dividends, part-time job).
- Reduced Withholding/Specific Amount: If you expect a refund due to itemized deductions, modifications, or tax credits, you may direct your employer to withhold a specific amount. Be cautious with this to avoid under-withholding.
- Exempt Status: If you meet specific criteria (e.g., certain military spouse situations, no tax liability), you can claim an exempt status. This requires annual renewal.
- Note: Unlike the federal W-4, Missouri’s state withholding calculation does not primarily rely on a number of “allowances” in the same way. The Form MO W-4 focuses on your filing status and any additional or specific withholding amounts you designate.

Step 2: Input Your Pay Information

Annual Pay Periods: Select how often you receive your paycheck (e.g., Bi-Weekly (26), Weekly, Monthly) from the dropdown. This is essential for accurate annual calculations.
Gross Wage / Pay Period: Enter your total earnings before any deductions for the pay period. This is your gross pay.
Pay Date: Select the pay date using the calendar tool. This is for your reference and does not affect the tax calculations.

Step 3: Calculate Your Taxes

Carefully review the calculated results.
If you need to make changes, adjust the input fields and click “Calculate” again.
To start a new calculation with different parameters, click the “New Calculation” button.

Important Notes:

This calculator provides estimates based on the information you provide and current Missouri tax rates and regulations.
Actual tax amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, additional deductions (e.g., pre-tax benefits, healthcare), local earnings taxes in Kansas City and St. Louis, and any changes in tax laws.
Keep your federal W-4 form and Missouri Form MO W-4 updated with your employer to ensure accurate tax withholding.

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Understanding Your Missouri Paycheck: Key Deductions

Your gross pay isn’t what you take home. Several deductions are standard in Missouri:

Federal Income Tax: This is determined by your gross pay, pay frequency, filing status, and information from your Form W-4. Our calculator uses the current federal tax brackets.
FICA Taxes (Federal Insurance Contributions Act):
- Social Security: As of 2025, this is typically 6.2% of your gross income up to a certain wage limit ($168,600 for 2024, check for 2025 updates).
- Medicare: This is 1.45% of all your gross income. An additional 0.9% may apply to earnings over a certain threshold.
Missouri State Income Tax: Missouri has a progressive income tax system. As of 2025, Missouri’s top individual income tax rate is 4.8%, with this rate having seen reductions in recent years. The amount withheld depends on your earnings, pay frequency, and your Missouri Form MO W-4 settings.
Local Earnings Tax (If Applicable):
- Kansas City: A 1% earnings tax is levied on gross wages for those who live or work in Kansas City.
- St. Louis: A 1% earnings tax is levied on gross wages for those who live or work in St. Louis.
Other Deductions (Not calculated by this tool but affect net pay):
- Health, dental, vision insurance premiums
- Retirement contributions (e.g., 401(k), 403(b))
- Life insurance premiums
- Union dues
- Garnishments

Missouri State Tax Specifics

Missouri Filing Statuses: Missouri’s filing statuses for state income tax are similar but not identical to federal statuses. The most common are “Single or Married Spouse Works or Married Filing Separate,” “Married (Spouse does not work),” and “Head of Household.” Choosing the correct status on your Form MO W-4 is crucial for accurate withholding.
Form MO W-4: This is the Missouri Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. You fill this out to tell your employer how much state income tax to withhold from your paycheck. You can adjust your withholding by claiming additional amounts, requesting a specific dollar amount to be withheld (if you anticipate owing less due to deductions/credits), or claiming exemption if you qualify.
Missouri Income Tax Rates (2025): Missouri’s individual income tax rates are subject to change by the state legislature. For 2025, the top rate is 4.8%. The state has multiple tax brackets. Our calculator uses the latest available official rates from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- Always refer to the Missouri Department of Revenue for the most current tax rate schedules.
Standard Deduction: Missouri offers a state standard deduction. Many taxpayers use this. If you itemize deductions on your federal return and your itemized deductions are greater than your Missouri standard deduction, you might choose to do so on your Missouri return, which can impact your overall tax liability (and thus potentially your withholding strategy).

Local Earnings Taxes in Missouri: Kansas City & St. Louis

If you live or perform work within the city limits of Kansas City or St. Louis, you are subject to a 1% earnings tax on your gross wages. This tax applies regardless of where your employer is based.

Kansas City Earnings Tax: Administered by the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
St. Louis Earnings Tax: Administered by the St. Louis City Collector of Revenue.

Our calculator allows you to include this 1% tax for a more accurate estimate of your take-home pay if you are subject to it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Missouri Payroll Taxes

Q1: What is the Missouri state income tax rate for 2025?

A: As of early 2025, Missouri’s top individual income tax rate is 4.8%. The state uses a bracketed system, so your effective tax rate will depend on your taxable income. Rates can change, so always check the Missouri Department of Revenue for the latest.

Q2: How do I fill out Form MO W-4?

A: Form MO W-4 helps your employer determine how much state income tax to withhold. You’ll need to indicate your filing status, and you can specify additional withholding or a specific dollar amount if you expect your tax situation to differ from standard calculations. Instructions are available on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Q3: Do I have to pay Kansas City or St. Louis earnings tax if I work from home outside the city for a city-based employer?

A: Generally, the earnings tax is applied if services are performed within the city. For remote work, the rules can be nuanced and depend on your employer’s policies and city ordinances. It’s best to consult with the respective city revenue departments or a tax professional for specific remote work situations.

Q4: How often should I check my Missouri tax withholding?

A: It’s a good idea to review your withholding annually or whenever you have a major life change (marriage, birth of a child, significant income change) to ensure you are not over or under-paying your taxes.

Q5: Where can I find official Missouri tax forms and information?

A: The official source for Missouri tax forms, instructions, and information is the Missouri Department of Revenue website (dor.mo.gov).

Q6: Does Missouri have local income taxes other than Kansas City and St. Louis?

A: No, Kansas City and St. Louis are the only two jurisdictions in Missouri that levy a local earnings tax on salaries and wages.

Q7: How is the Missouri standard deduction determined for 2025?

A: Missouri’s standard deduction amounts are typically set by state law and can be adjusted. For 2024, they were $13,850 for Single, $20,800 for Head of Household, and $27,700 for Married Filing Jointly. Check the MO DOR for confirmed 2025 amounts. Our calculator will use the relevant figures.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented here, the details may change over time or vary in different jurisdictions. Therefore, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or absolute accuracy of this information. The information on this page should not be used as a basis for making legal, financial, or any other key decisions. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified professional or expert in the relevant field for specific advice, guidance, or services. By using this webpage, you acknowledge that the information is offered “as is” and that we are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided. We shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or reliance on any content on this page.

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