Missouri's progressive income tax ranges from 2% to 4.8%. This calculator is pre-set to Missouri with local tax support for 2 jurisdictions — drag the salary slider and watch each bracket light up.
Last updated: March 17, 2026
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Take-Home Pay (Missouri)$0
Paycheck Details — Missouri
Total compensation before any taxes or deductions
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$15K$1.5M
Pre-set to Missouri — change to compare
Select your jurisdiction if applicable
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Take-Home Pay (per paycheck)
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Gross Pay
$0
Federal Tax
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State Tax
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Local Tax
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FICA
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Deductions
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Paycheck Breakdown
Effective Total Tax Rate
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Annual Summary
Where Every Dollar Goes — Missouri
Each bar shows how much of your income falls into that bracket.
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Missouri's Progressive Income Tax Brackets
Missouri uses 7 tax brackets ranging from 2% to 4.8%. The top 4.8% rate kicks in at $7,242 of taxable income. Like the federal system, Missouri's brackets are marginal — only income within each range is taxed at that bracket's rate. An $85,000 earner in Missouri pays an effective state rate well below 4.8% because the first dollars flow through lower brackets. The bracket visualization in the calculator above shows exactly how your income is distributed across Missouri's brackets.
Local Income Taxes in Missouri
Several Missouri jurisdictions levy their own income taxes on top of the state rate: St. Louis City: 1% flat rate; Kansas City: 1% flat rate. These local taxes can add $1,000-$5,000+ to your annual tax bill depending on income level and jurisdiction. The calculator above includes all 2 local tax jurisdictions we track for Missouri — select your city or county from the dropdown to see the combined impact. If you're considering relocating within Missouri, the local tax difference between jurisdictions can shift your take-home pay by $50-$200+ per paycheck.
Maximizing Your Take-Home Pay in Missouri
The most effective lever for increasing take-home pay in Missouri is pre-tax retirement contributions. A traditional 401(k) contribution reduces your taxable income for both federal and state taxes. At $85,000 in Missouri, your combined marginal rate (federal + state) is approximately 27%. Every $100 directed to a pre-tax 401(k) saves $27 in taxes — you sacrifice $73 in take-home pay, not $100. HSA contributions (if you have a high-deductible health plan) go further — they reduce federal, state, AND FICA taxes, saving roughly 35% on every contributed dollar.
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Maximize Your Missouri Take-Home Pay
Fidelity offers zero-fee index funds and easy 401(k) management. See how increasing your contribution affects your paycheck above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Missouri's income tax brackets?
Missouri uses a progressive income tax with rates from 2% to 4.8%. The 4.8% top rate applies to income above $7,242. On $85,000 of income, your effective state tax rate is lower than 4.8% because the first dollars are taxed at the lower bracket rates. The bracket visualization on the calculator above shows exactly how much income falls into each bracket.
Does Missouri have local income taxes?
Yes. Some Missouri jurisdictions levy local income taxes on top of the state rate: St. Louis City (1%), Kansas City (1%). These local taxes can add $1,000-$5,000+ per year depending on your income and jurisdiction. Select your city or county in the calculator above to see the exact impact on your paycheck.
How much does a 401(k) contribution save in Missouri?
Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income for both federal and Missouri state income tax (but not FICA). On $85,000 in Missouri, a $500 biweekly 401(k) contribution ($13,000/year) saves approximately $3,484 in combined federal and state taxes per year. Your biweekly paycheck drops by about $366, not $500 — the tax shield covers the rest. Use the 401(k) field in the calculator above to see the exact impact.
How does Missouri's tax burden compare to other states?
On an $85,000 salary, take-home pay varies by $5,000-$8,000 across states due to different income tax rates. Missouri's top rate of 4.8% puts it in the middle of the pack. Nine states charge no income tax at all. Use the "Compare Another State" feature in the calculator above to see an exact side-by-side breakdown.
How are Social Security and Medicare taxes calculated on my Missouri paycheck?
FICA taxes are federal — they're the same in every state. Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 ($10,918 max/year). Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000. On $85,000, FICA totals $6,502/year ($250/biweekly paycheck). FICA is calculated on gross wages before any deductions — pre-tax 401(k) and health insurance contributions don't reduce FICA. Your employer pays a matching 7.65% on top of what you see on your pay stub.
This calculator is for educational purposes. Consult a financial professional for advice specific to your
situation. Tax brackets reflect 2025 federal and state schedules. Actual paycheck amounts vary based on W-4
elections, additional withholding, and employer-specific deductions not modeled here.