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 baseline rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your actual tax at checkout will almost always be higher because cities and counties add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate.

The total you pay depends on where you are shopping. A purchase in Kansas City will have a different total tax rate than the same purchase in St. Louis or a rural county. Local rates range from about 0.5 percent to over 2 percent, which means your final tax bill can range from roughly 4.7 percent to over 6 percent depending on location.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri's state sales tax is 4.225 percent, but local city and county taxes add on top of that rate.
  • Your total sales tax rate depends on your exact location — the city, county, and sometimes special districts all matter.
  • Most tangible goods are taxed, but groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt.
  • You can find your exact local rate by entering your address into the Missouri Department of Revenue's tax rate lookup tool.

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. These local taxes are not optional — they are set by local government and apply to the same purchases as the state tax. A city might add 1 percent, a county might add 0.5 percent, and a special district (like a transit authority or school district) might add another 0.25 percent. All of these stack together.

This means two people buying the same item in different Missouri cities will pay different total tax rates. Someone in Springfield pays a different rate than someone in Joplin, even though both are buying from the same store chain. The variation is significant enough that it is worth checking your specific location before assuming what your tax will be.

What is and is not subject to sales tax in Missouri

Most physical items you buy in a store are taxed. Clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods all have sales tax applied at checkout. Services are generally not taxed — haircuts, repairs, and labor charges do not have sales tax added.

Missouri has specific exemptions that remove tax from certain purchases. Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed, which means your supermarket bill for milk, bread, and vegetables has no sales tax. Prescription medications are also exempt. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor — such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and oxygen equipment — is typically exempt as well. Durable medical equipment has its own rules, so if you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, even if you take them home. The distinction is whether the food is ready to eat when you buy it. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli counter is taxed; a raw chicken from the meat case is not.

Finding your exact local sales tax rate

The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and the tool returns your exact combined state and local rate. This is the most reliable way to know what you will actually pay, because it accounts for all the local taxes that apply to your specific location.

If you are a business owner or you make frequent purchases, bookmark this tool. Tax rates can change when local governments adjust their rates, so checking before a large purchase is worth the thirty seconds it takes. The tool is free and requires no login.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

Missouri requires online retailers to collect and remit sales tax on purchases shipped to Missouri addresses, regardless of where the retailer is located. This applies to most major retailers. The tax rate charged is based on the delivery address, not where the seller is based.

If you order from a small out-of-state seller that does not collect Missouri sales tax, you are technically responsible for reporting and paying the tax yourself as part of your state income tax return. This is called "use tax" and it applies the same rate as sales tax would. In practice, most individuals do not report use tax, but the obligation exists.

Special sales tax situations

Missouri has a few situations where the normal sales tax rules do not apply. Trade-ins and exchanges are taxed only on the difference in value, not the full purchase price. If you trade in a used car worth $5,000 toward a new car priced at $20,000, you pay sales tax only on the $15,000 difference.

Resale certificates allow businesses to buy goods without paying sales tax if they plan to resell those goods. A retail store uses a resale certificate when buying inventory from a wholesaler. The tax is collected later when the item is sold to the final customer. If you are starting a business, you will need to register with the Missouri Department of Revenue to obtain a resale certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Kansas City and St. Louis?

Kansas City's combined rate is approximately 8.6 percent (state plus local taxes). St. Louis's combined rate is approximately 8.45 percent. Both rates include state, city, and county taxes. Rates can change, so use the Missouri Department of Revenue's lookup tool to confirm the exact rate for your specific address.

Do I pay sales tax on used items?

Sales tax applies to used goods sold by retailers, just as it does for new goods. A used car sold by a dealership is taxed. However, private sales between individuals are generally not subject to sales tax in Missouri, though you may need to pay sales tax when you register the vehicle with the state.

Are clothes and shoes taxed in Missouri?

Yes, clothing and shoes are subject to Missouri sales tax. There is no clothing exemption in Missouri, unlike some other states. A pair of jeans, a winter coat, or shoes all have sales tax applied at checkout.

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

If you believe you were overcharged, contact the business first. If they do not correct it, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction and the incorrect amount charged.