Missouri Wage and Payroll Tax Facts
February 06, 2024
Having to comply with unique state taxes and wage laws can make processing payroll doubly daunting. Here’s everything you need to know about these rates and laws for the state of Missouri.
Select a state or federal tax guide
The Show-Me State requires minimum wage rates that are substantially higher than the rates required by the federal government. There are also local income taxes for residents in the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City.
When it comes to processing payroll, Missouri-based organizations must handle the following taxes in addition to those required by the federal government:
- Personal Income (a.k.a. State Income Tax)
- State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
- Local Taxes
The below information was last updated February 6, 2024. It is not intended as legal or tax advice.
Missouri Minimum Wage Rates
Wage Type |
Missouri Rates |
Federal Rates |
Minimum Wage |
$12.30 |
$7.25 |
Tipped Minimum Wage |
$6.15 |
$2.13 |
Actual Tip Credit |
$6.15 |
$5.12 |
Missouri State Income Tax (SIT) Rates
Missouri's SIT is progressive, meaning it adjusts based on the income level of the employee paying the tax:
Income Tax Bracket |
2024 Income Tax Rate |
$0 – $1,273 |
0.00% |
$1,273 – $2,546 |
2.00% of excess over $1,273 |
$2,546 – $3,819 |
2.50% of excess over $2,546 |
$3,819 – $5,092 |
3.00% of excess over $3,819 |
$5,092 – $6,365 |
3.50% of excess over $5,092 |
$6,365 – $7,638 |
4.00% of excess over $6,365 |
$7,638 – $8,911 |
4.50% of excess over $7,638 |
$8,911 and over |
4.80% of excess over $8,911 |
Additional Missouri SIT Details |
|
Supplemental Withholding Computation |
4.90% |
Valid Filing Statuses |
|
Exemptions |
N/A |
Form W-4 |
Form MO-W-4 |
Reconciliation Frequency |
Annual |
Missouri State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Rates
SUI provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own (as determined by state law) and meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
Missouri SUI Tax Details |
|
Taxable Wage Base |
$10,000 |
Employee Subject to Tax |
No |
Rates for Experienced Employers |
0.00% - 6.00% |
Rates for New Employers |
2.51% |
Effective Period |
Calendar Year |
Voluntary Contributions Allowed |
Yes; due by January 15 of the year in which the payment will affect. |
Missouri State Disability Insurance (SDI) Rates
SDI benefits are funded by employees through mandatory payroll deductions from each paycheck. Missouri, however, doesn't require employers to collect an SDI tax.
Miscellaneous Missouri Tax Information
Reciprocal Agreement(s)
Reciprocal agreements are when workers who live and work in different states are only required to pay taxes to the state where they live. Missouri currently has no reciprocal agreements with any other states.
This doesn’t mean, however, that interstate workers living in Missouri pay double. It’s federally illegal for two states to tax the same income. In most cases, the employee’s work state will credit or refund them at tax time based on the taxes they owe their home state. If the tax rates differ, the employee must cover the difference.
Paid Sick Leave (PSL) Taxes
The state of Missouri doesn’t require employers to collect PSL taxes, nor does the state have a program providing such leave to employees.
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Taxes
The state of Missouri doesn’t require employers to collect PFML taxes, nor does the state have a program providing such leave to employees.
Local Taxes
In addition to the state-wide taxes mentioned above, both Kansas City and St. Louis have a 1% earnings tax for all residents and any nonresidents who work within their city limits.
Missouri Employer Registration
In Missouri the Department of Revenue and Department of Labor’s Division of Employment Security share responsibilities for withholding tax topics and unemployment tax topics. Contact either agency for help with your state-based employer registration, including best practices, account numbers, and unemployment information.
Registration Details |
Department of Revenue |
Division of Employment Security |
Phone |
(573) 751-5860 | (573) 751-3340 |
Online Registration |
MyTax Missouri Business Registration Page | |
Registration Form |
Form 2643 | Form-2699 |
Registration Instructions |
Online and paper registration options are available. Account numbers are issued in 10 days via the online process or in 3 weeks via mail. Separate account numbers for each tax type will be issued under the combined registration. |
Online and paper registration options are available. Account numbers are issued in 2-3 weeks regardless of which process is used. Separate account numbers for each tax type will be issued under the combined registration. |
Employer Self-Service Login |
MyTax Missouri Login Page | UInteract Login Page |
Additional Missouri Payroll Tax Resources
- Department of Revenue Business Taxation Page
- Department of Revenue Business Registration Checklist
- Department of Labor Employers Page
This information is provided as a courtesy and may be updated at any time. It is not intended as legal or tax guidance. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to seek the advice of a qualified CPA, tax attorney, or advisor.
Get Taxes Done Right, Without the Stress
We know there's a lot that goes into preparing and filing payroll tax forms. Save time and get support from our expert team. As a Registered Reporting Agent with the IRS, we can help prepare and file all the necessary forms you need to remain compliant - even in the face of changing legislation. Learn more here.