Missouri charges 2-4.8% state income tax plus local taxes in some areas. Use the freelance tax calculator pre-loaded with Missouri rates.
Open Freelance Tax Calculator →Freelancing in Missouri means stacking up to 4.8% state income tax on top of the 15.3% self-employment tax and federal income tax. Certain Missouri localities impose additional taxes on self-employment income, further raising your effective rate. The combined marginal rate for freelancers here can exceed 42% on income in the 22% federal bracket. Careful quarterly estimated payment planning is critical to avoid underpayment penalties. This calculator factors in Missouri's state tax and the deductible half of SE tax to give you an accurate picture.
Missouri uses a graduated income tax with brackets ranging from 2-4.8%. Lower income is taxed at lower rates, with the 4.8% top rate applying only to income in the highest bracket. This progressive structure means your effective state tax rate is always lower than the top marginal rate. In addition, some Missouri localities impose their own income tax, which stacks on top of the state rate. This is especially notable in areas like certain cities and counties. Always check your local rate when calculating total tax liability.
The table below shows what you actually keep at five salary levels in Missouri, accounting for federal tax, FICA, and Missouri's graduated (2-4.8%) state tax plus estimated local taxes.
See how Missouri compares to other Midwest states. Each link takes you to the freelance tax calculator landing page for that state.
For a comprehensive breakdown of Missouri’s tax structure, salary comparisons, cost-of-living analysis, and more, visit the full Missouri take-home pay page.