Missouri's statewide sales tax is 4.225 percent, but your actual rate depends on where you shop
Missouri has a base sales tax of 4.225 percent that applies everywhere in the state. However, most counties and cities add their own local sales tax on top of that. Your total rate — what you actually pay at checkout — is the combination of state tax plus any local additions. This means the rate you pay in Kansas City is different from the rate in St. Louis, which is different from a small town in the Ozarks.
The local portion can range from nothing (a few rural areas) to more than 2 percent in some cities. A purchase that costs $100 before tax might have $4.23 in tax in one location and $6.50 in another, depending on the county and city where you're buying.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's state sales tax is 4.225 percent, but counties and cities add local taxes on top of that amount.
- Your total sales tax rate depends on the specific county and city where you make the purchase, not where you live.
- The easiest way to find your exact rate is to check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or ask a cashier in your area.
- Some items like groceries and prescription medications are taxed at a lower rate or not taxed at all in Missouri.
How local sales tax works in Missouri
When you buy something in Missouri, the sales tax you pay goes to three places: the state, the county, and sometimes the city. The state keeps 4.225 percent. The county then adds its own rate — this varies from county to county and is set by county voters or the county commission. On top of that, the city or municipality where you're shopping may add another layer.
This means two people buying the same item in different parts of Missouri will pay different amounts of tax. Someone buying groceries in downtown St. Louis pays a different rate than someone buying the same groceries in a suburb five miles away, because they're in different cities and possibly different tax districts.
The local tax money typically funds schools, roads, public transportation, or other services in that specific area. When you see a higher sales tax rate, you're usually looking at a place that has voted to fund local projects through sales tax rather than property tax or other methods.
Sales tax rates in Missouri's largest cities
| City or Area | Total Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | 8.612 percent |
| St. Louis (city) | 8.638 percent |
| Springfield | 7.975 percent |
| Columbia | 7.725 percent |
| St. Louis County (outside city) | 7.488 percent |
| Jackson County (outside Kansas City) | 7.725 percent |
These rates can change when cities or counties vote to add or remove local taxes. The rates shown here are current as of 2024, but you should verify the exact rate for your location before making a large purchase, especially if you're buying across city or county lines.
If you're shopping near a city border, the rate can shift by half a percent or more depending on which side of the line you're on. This is why some people strategically shop in lower-tax areas for big purchases, though the difference is usually only a few dollars unless you're buying something expensive.
What items are taxed differently in Missouri
Not everything you buy in Missouri is taxed at the full sales tax rate. Groceries and food for home consumption are taxed at a reduced rate of 1.225 percent (state rate only, no local tax added). This includes items like bread, milk, vegetables, and meat that you take home to cook or eat.
Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at the full rate. So buying a sandwich at a deli to eat there or take out is taxed at your full local rate, but buying a loaf of bread at the grocery store is taxed at 1.225 percent.
Prescription medications are not taxed at all in Missouri. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or cold medicine are taxed at the full rate, but anything you need a prescription for is exempt. You'll need to show your prescription at checkout for the exemption to apply.
Clothing is taxed at the full rate. There is no clothing exemption in Missouri, unlike some neighboring states. Medical equipment and devices prescribed by a doctor may be exempt, but this varies by item and requires documentation.
How to find the exact sales tax rate for your location
The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You can enter your city and county, and it will show you the current combined rate. This is the most reliable source because rates change when voters approve new taxes or when existing taxes expire.
You can also call your city or county assessor's office and ask for the current sales tax rate. They can tell you not just the total rate but also break down how much is state, county, and city tax.
If you're buying something online and the seller is based in Missouri, they should charge you the sales tax rate for the address where you're having it shipped. If you're buying from out of state, Missouri's rules about whether you owe sales tax depend on the seller's location and the type of item — this is a complex area, and the safest approach is to check with the Department of Revenue if you're unsure.
Why sales tax rates vary so much across Missouri
Missouri allows counties and cities to set their own local sales tax rates through voter approval. This means each area can decide how much tax to add based on what services it wants to fund and how it prefers to raise money. Some areas have voted for higher sales taxes to avoid raising property taxes. Others have kept sales taxes low and rely more on property taxes or other revenue sources.
Over time, as cities and counties vote on new taxes or let old ones expire, rates shift. A city might add a half-percent tax to fund a new school building, then let that tax expire after the building is paid for. This is why rates can seem random if you're just looking at a map — they reflect decades of local voting decisions, not a statewide plan.
The variation also means that border areas sometimes have noticeably different rates on each side. If you live near a county line, you might save money by shopping on the lower-tax side, though the difference is usually small unless you're buying something very expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases from Missouri sellers?
Yes, if the seller has a physical presence in Missouri or meets certain sales thresholds, they must charge you sales tax based on your shipping address. If you're buying from a Missouri seller and having it shipped to a Missouri address, you'll owe the sales tax rate for that destination address, not where the seller is located.
Is there a sales tax holiday in Missouri?
Missouri does not have a statewide sales tax holiday. Some cities or counties may run temporary tax breaks for specific items or time periods, but these are local decisions and are not common. Check with your city or county if you think a holiday might be happening in your area.
What if I buy something in one Missouri city and use it in another?
You pay sales tax where you make the purchase, not where you use the item. If you buy something in Kansas City and take it home to Springfield, you paid Kansas City's rate at checkout. You do not owe additional tax in Springfield.
Are services taxed in Missouri?
Most services are not taxed in Missouri. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing work, and similar services are generally not subject to sales tax. However, some specific services like certain telecommunications services may be taxed. When in doubt, ask the service provider before you pay.
Do I have to pay sales tax if I'm buying for resale?
No. If you have a resale certificate from the Missouri Department of Revenue, you can buy items without paying sales tax as long as you're buying them to resell. You'll need to register for a resale certificate through the Department of Revenue and provide it to the seller.