Missouri's statewide sales tax is 4.225%, but your total rate depends on local add-ons
Missouri has a base state sales tax of 4.225%. However, most counties and cities layer on their own sales taxes, so what you actually pay ranges from 5.725% to 8.725% depending on where you shop. The rate that applies is determined by the address where the sale happens — the store's location, not yours — so two stores in different parts of the same city may charge different totals.
The breakdown works like this: the state collects 4.225%, then your county adds between 0.5% and 1.5%, and your city or local district may add another 0.5% to 2.5% on top of that. Some areas have multiple overlapping districts (a city plus a transit authority, for example), each with its own rate. The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a searchable database of rates by ZIP code, which is the fastest way to find your exact rate.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's base state rate is 4.225%, but your total rate includes county and local taxes that vary by location.
- The rate that applies is where the store is located, not where you live, so online purchases shipped to you may have a different rate than in-store purchases.
- Rates range from 5.725% (lowest) to 8.725% (highest) depending on the combination of state, county, and local taxes in that area.
- The Missouri Department of Revenue website lets you search your ZIP code to see the exact rate for that location.
- Some counties exempt groceries, prescription drugs, or medical equipment from sales tax, though the state does not.
How county and local taxes stack on top of the state rate
Every Missouri county charges its own sales tax on top of the state's 4.225%. County rates range from 0.5% to 1.5%, depending on the county. St. Louis City and Jackson County (Kansas City) are independent cities that set their own county-equivalent rates, which are typically higher than surrounding counties.
Cities and other local districts — school districts, transportation authorities, sports complexes — can add their own taxes as well. A city might add 0.5%, a school district another 0.5%, and a transit district another 0.25%, all on the same purchase. These layers are cumulative, so you add them all together to get your final rate.
The result is that two addresses just a few blocks apart can have different rates. Downtown Kansas City may have a different rate than a suburb just outside the city limits. Before making a large purchase, especially online, it is worth checking the exact rate for the delivery address.
Where to find the exact rate for your location
The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website (dor.mo.gov). Enter your ZIP code and it will show you the combined state, county, and local rate for that area. This is the most reliable source because rates change when cities or counties pass new taxes, and the tool is updated regularly.
If you are shopping online, use the seller's address or the delivery address to look up the rate, not your home address. Some online retailers calculate tax based on where they ship from or where their warehouse is located, so the rate shown at checkout may differ from what you find in the state lookup tool. If there is a discrepancy, contact the retailer to clarify which rate they used.
Local tax assessor offices and city halls also have rate information, though the state website is faster for a quick lookup.
Which items are taxed and which are exempt
Missouri taxes most goods and services, but a few categories are exempt at the state level. Groceries (unprepared food) are not taxed. Prescription medications are not taxed. Medical equipment and mobility aids prescribed by a doctor are not taxed. Clothing is taxed, but some counties or cities may have their own exemptions.
Services are generally taxed only if they are specifically listed in state law. Haircuts, repairs, and labor are usually taxed. Admissions to events, movies, and entertainment venues are taxed. Utilities (electricity, gas, water) are taxed, though the rate may differ from the general sales tax rate.
Some counties have added their own exemptions on top of the state rules. For example, a county might exempt diapers or feminine hygiene products. Check your county's rules if you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed in your area.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order something online and it ships to a Missouri address, Missouri sales tax applies based on the delivery address. This is true whether the seller is in Missouri or out of state. The seller is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax, though some smaller sellers may not comply with this rule.
If you order from a seller outside Missouri and it ships to an out-of-state address, Missouri tax does not explore. If you pick up an order in another state but have it shipped to Missouri later, tax is owed on the shipment to Missouri.
For marketplace sales (items sold through Amazon, eBay, or similar platforms), the marketplace itself usually collects the tax on behalf of the seller. If you are unsure whether tax was included in your total, check your receipt or contact the seller.
How to calculate the tax on a purchase
To calculate sales tax on a purchase, multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate as a decimal. For example, if you buy a $100 item in an area with an 8% combined rate, multiply $100 by 0.08 to get $8 in tax, for a total of $108.
Most retailers calculate this automatically at checkout, so you do not need to do the math yourself. However, if you are budgeting for a purchase or comparing prices between locations, knowing the rate for each area helps you estimate the final cost.
Some point-of-sale systems round the total tax to the nearest cent, which can result in a final amount that is a penny or two different from your calculation. This is normal and legal in Missouri.
Tax rate changes and how to stay informed
Missouri cities and counties vote on tax increases or decreases periodically. When a new tax passes, it usually takes effect on the first day of the following month or quarter. The state website updates its rate lookup tool when changes take effect, but there can be a lag of a few days.
If you are planning a large purchase and want to know whether a rate change is coming, check your city or county government website or contact the assessor's office. Local news outlets also report on tax votes before they take effect.
Retailers are required to charge the rate in effect on the date of the sale, so if a rate changes mid-month, purchases before and after the change date will have different taxes. Keep your receipt if you think you were charged the wrong rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between sales tax and use tax in Missouri?
Yes. Sales tax is collected by the seller at the point of sale. Use tax is a tax you owe directly to Missouri if you buy something out of state and bring it into Missouri without paying sales tax. Most people do not pay use tax because they do not track these purchases, but technically it is owed. The rate is the same as the sales tax rate for your location.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Missouri?
No. Unprepared food — items you cook at home — is not taxed in Missouri. This includes meat, produce, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared food (restaurant meals, deli items, hot foods) is taxed. Some items like candy, soda, and snack foods are taxed even though they are food.
What is the sales tax rate in Kansas City and St. Louis?
Kansas City (Jackson County) has a combined rate of 8.725%. St. Louis City has a combined rate of 8.725%. Both are among the highest in the state because they are independent cities with their own local taxes on top of the state rate. Surrounding suburbs have lower rates.
Can I get a refund if I paid sales tax on something I returned?
Yes. When you return an item for a refund, the retailer refunds the tax along with the purchase price. If you exchanged the item for something else, the retailer adjusts the tax based on the new purchase price. Keep your receipt to prove the original purchase if there is a dispute.
Do I owe sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
Yes. Most services in Missouri are subject to sales tax, including haircuts, repairs, labor, and professional services. The tax is calculated on the total bill, including labor and parts. Some services may be exempt under specific state rules, so ask the provider if you are unsure.