Missouri's income tax system and what Farmington residents pay

Missouri has a state income tax that applies to all residents, including those living in Farmington. The state uses a progressive tax structure, meaning the rate increases as your income increases. Missouri's tax brackets range from 1.5% on the lowest income to 5.75% on the highest, as of the most recent tax year. Farmington itself does not add a separate city income tax on top of the state rate.

Your actual tax bill depends on your total income for the year and which bracket you fall into. Missouri taxes wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, and other sources. The state also allows certain deductions and credits that can lower what you owe. Because tax rates and brackets can shift year to year, you should check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or your tax forms for the current year's exact numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri's state income tax ranges from 1.5% to 5.75% depending on your income level, with no additional city tax in Farmington.
  • The tax applies to wages, self-employment income, investment income, and other earnings, minus certain deductions.
  • You file Missouri state taxes using Form MO-1040 or a shorter form if your income is below a certain threshold.
  • Missouri offers tax credits for things like dependent children and property tax paid, which can reduce your final tax bill.
  • Tax brackets and rates change annually, so the exact percentage you owe may differ from year to year.

How Missouri's tax brackets work

Missouri divides income into brackets, and you pay the stated rate only on income within that bracket. For example, if you earn $50,000 and the first bracket covers income up to $10,000 at 1.5%, the next bracket covers $10,001 to $20,000 at a higher rate, and so on, you would pay 1.5% on the first $10,000, then the next rate on the next portion, and so forth. This means you do not pay the top rate on your entire income—only on the portion that falls into the highest bracket you reach.

The exact income ranges for each bracket change each year because Missouri adjusts them for inflation. For the 2024 tax year, the brackets start at 1.5% and step up through several rates before reaching 5.75% at the top. To find the brackets that apply to your 2024 return, check the Missouri Department of Revenue's website or the instructions that come with Form MO-1040. If you file for 2025, you will use that year's brackets, which will be published by the state before the filing deadline.

What income counts and what deductions reduce it

Missouri taxes most types of income: wages from a job, net self-employment income, interest earned on savings accounts or bonds, dividends from stocks, rental income, and income from other sources. If you receive Social Security benefits, Missouri does not tax those. Some retirement income may also be excluded under certain conditions, such as military pensions or income from a 401(k) or IRA, depending on your age and the source.

Before calculating your tax, you subtract deductions. Missouri allows a standard deduction (a flat amount everyone can subtract) or itemized deductions (specific expenses you list). The standard deduction amount varies by filing status and changes yearly. Common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations, and medical expenses above a certain threshold. Most people use the standard deduction because it is simpler and often larger than what they could itemize.

Filing requirements and forms for Farmington residents

If you live in Farmington and earned income during the year, you must file a Missouri state return if your income exceeds the filing threshold. That threshold depends on your age, filing status, and type of income. For most working-age adults filing as single, the threshold is around $12,000 to $13,000 in recent years, but it changes annually. If you are over 65 or have certain types of income, the threshold may be different. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or your tax forms to confirm whether you must file.

Most people file using Form MO-1040, the standard Missouri individual income tax return. If your income is very simple and below a certain level, you may be able to use Form MO-1040-N, a shorter version. You will also need to report any federal income tax information, since Missouri uses federal taxable income as a starting point. You file your Missouri return at the same time as your federal return, typically by April 15, though you can request an extension.

Tax credits that lower what you owe

Missouri offers several tax credits that directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. A tax credit is different from a deduction: a deduction reduces your income before tax is calculated, while a credit subtracts directly from your tax bill. For example, Missouri offers a dependent exemption credit for each child or dependent you claim. There is also a property tax credit for homeowners or renters who paid property tax or rent, and a credit for taxes paid to other states if you worked in more than one state during the year.

Some credits are refundable, meaning if the credit is larger than your tax bill, you receive the difference as a refund. Others are non-refundable, meaning they can only reduce your tax to zero but cannot create a refund. The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a list of available credits each year. Review the instructions for Form MO-1040 or visit the department's website to see which credits you may be able to claim based on your situation.

How to report and pay Missouri income tax

You report your Missouri income tax on your state return, which you file by mail or electronically through the Missouri Department of Revenue's website or through tax software. If you are an employee, your employer withholds Missouri income tax from your paycheck automatically, similar to federal withholding. The amount withheld is based on the W-4 form you complete when you start a job. If you are self-employed, you are responsible for paying estimated tax quarterly, usually in April, June, September, and January.

When you file your return, you compare the total tax you owe to the amount already withheld or paid through estimated payments. If you paid too much, you receive a refund. If you paid too little, you owe the difference. You can pay any balance due by check, electronic transfer, or credit card through the Missouri Department of Revenue's website. Refunds typically arrive within four to six weeks if you file electronically, or longer if you file by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Farmington have a city income tax in addition to the state tax?

No. Farmington does not impose a separate city income tax. You pay only Missouri's state income tax, which ranges from 1.5% to 5.75% depending on your income level. Some Missouri cities do have local income taxes, but Farmington is not one of them.

What if I moved to Farmington partway through the year?

You report income for the entire year on your Missouri return, even if you moved there mid-year. If you lived in another state for part of the year and earned income there, you may owe tax to both states. Many states offer a credit for taxes paid to other states to prevent double taxation. Report your out-of-state income on your Missouri return and claim the credit if you are may have access to to it.

How do I know if my employer is withholding the right amount?

Use the Missouri Department of Revenue's withholding calculator on its website, or review your pay stub to see how much is being withheld. If too little is being withheld, you can adjust your W-4 form with your employer. If too much is being withheld, you can also adjust it to increase your take-home pay, though you will owe more when you file.

Can I file my Missouri return electronically?

Yes. You can file electronically through the Missouri Department of Revenue's website, through tax software, or through a tax preparer. Electronic filing is faster and more accurate than mailing a paper return, and refunds arrive more quickly if you are due one.

What if I did not file a Missouri return in a previous year?

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out whether you owed tax for that year. If you did, you may owe back taxes plus interest and penalties. Filing late is better than not filing at all, and the department can work with you on payment arrangements if needed. You can reach them through their website or by phone.