Missouri paycheck calculator
Our free Missouri paycheck calculator takes the headache out of figuring what you’ll actually take home on payday. Sick of trying to do the math yourself? Just drop in your info and see what Uncle Sam and Missouri are gonna take from your hard-earned cash. Whether you’re paid hourly, salary, weekly or monthly, we’ve gotcha covered.
The calculator handles all the complicated stuff – Missouri’s weird tax brackets, federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and even those pesky St. Louis and Kansas City earnings taxes. It accounts for your filing status, dependents, and deductions to give you a real-world estimate of your take-home pay.
Earnings
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Benefits
Paycheck Summary
EARNINGS
- Select pay frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.)
- Enter gross pay amount
- Choose salary or hourly pay type
- Set your pay date
FEDERAL TAXES
- Select W-4 version and filing status
- Enter dependent credits
- Add any extra withholding
STATE TAXES
- Enter Missouri state exemptions
- Add any additional withholding
- State tax rates (2023):
- 1.5% on first $1,121
- 2.0% on income $1,122 - $2,242
- 2.5% on income $2,243 - $3,363
- 3.0% on income $3,364 - $4,484
- 3.5% on income $4,485 - $5,605
- 4.0% on income $5,606 - $6,726
- 4.5% on income $6,727 - $7,847
- 5.0% on income $7,848 - $8,968
- 5.4% on income $8,969 - $10,089
- 4.95% on income over $10,089
BENEFITS
- Enter monthly deductions for:
- Medical/Dental
- 401(k)
Standard Deductions
- Social Security: 6.2%
- Medicare: 1.45%
Key Takeaways
- Missouri has 9 tax brackets with rates from 1.5% to 5.3%
- St. Louis and Kansas City have additional 1% earnings taxes
- Federal taxes (10%-37%) + FICA (7.65%) + state tax = main deductions
- Standard deduction: $13,850 single, $27,700 married (2023)
- Changing W-4 allowances can boost your paycheck amount
How to Use This Missouri Paycheck Calculator
Using our MO paycheck calculator is pretty straightforward:
- Enter your pay (hourly wage or salary)
- Pick how often you get paid (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.)
- Choose your filing status (single, married, whatever)
- Add any dependents or extra withholding
- Include retirement contributions, health insurance, etc.
Hit that calculate button and boom – you’ll see exactly where your money’s going. The calculator does all the math so you don’t have to mess with Missouri’s complicated tax tables.
Wanna see how a raise might affect your actual take-home? Or how much that 401(k) contribution is really costing you? Just change the numbers and calculate again.
Missouri Income Tax Breakdown
Missouri’s tax system is more complicated than a lot of other states. They’ve got 9 different tax brackets, which is kinda ridiculous if you ask me. But don’t worry, our calculator handles it all.
The current Missouri tax brackets are:
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $1,088 | 1.5% |
| $1,089 – $2,176 | 2.0% |
| $2,177 – $3,264 | 2.5% |
| $3,265 – $4,352 | 3.0% |
| $4,353 – $5,440 | 3.5% |
| $5,441 – $6,528 | 4.0% |
| $6,529 – $7,616 | 4.5% |
| $7,617 – $8,704 | 5.0% |
| $8,705+ | 5.3% |
One thing to remember – these brackets are based on your Missouri taxable income, which is different from your total income. You get to subtract the standard deduction and personal exemptions first.
Oh, and if you live or work in St. Louis or Kansas City, you’ll pay an extra 1% earnings tax on top of all this. Yeah, it adds up fast.
Our Tax Estimator can help you figure out your whole tax picture beyond just the paycheck stuff.
What’s Eating Your Missouri Paycheck?
Ever get your paycheck and wonder where all the money went? Here’s the breakdown:
- Federal income tax: Biggest chunk for most folks (10%-37% depending on bracket)
- Missouri state tax: Those 9 brackets from 1.5%-5.3%
- City earnings tax: Extra 1% if you’re in St. Louis or KC
- Social Security: 6.2% of your wages up to $168,600
- Medicare: 1.45% of everything (plus 0.9% more if you make over $200K)
- Health insurance: Varies but can be a big one
- Retirement contributions: 401(k), etc. if you’re putting money away
Some of these come out pre-tax, meaning they reduce your taxable income before the taxes are calculated. This is why maxing out your 401(k) can save you a bunch on taxes.
Speaking of saving on taxes, check out our article on Tax on Overtime to see how extra hours affect your paycheck. Hint: overtime isn’t taxed at a higher rate automatically, but it might push you into a higher bracket.
How to Boost Your Take-Home Pay
Not happy with your paycheck size? Here are some tricks to bring home more bacon:
- Fix your W-4: If you’re getting big tax refunds, you’re giving the government an interest-free loan. Update your W-4 to have less withheld each paycheck.
- Use pre-tax accounts: Max out your 401(k), HSA, and FSA contributions. These come out before taxes, so you pay less in taxes overall.
- Check your withholding: Use our calculator to play around with different withholding amounts. Small changes can add up fast.
- Look at your benefits: Sometimes cheaper health insurance or dropping coverage you don’t need can free up cash.
For more ideas, especially if you make good money, check out Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners.
Special Missouri Paycheck Situations
Missouri’s got some quirks that affect your paycheck:
- City earnings taxes: St. Louis and Kansas City both take an extra 1% of your earnings if you live or work there. This shows up as a separate line on your pay stub.
- Border workers: Live in Missouri but work in Illinois, Kansas, or Arkansas? You’ll pay taxes in both states but get credits to avoid double taxation.
- Remote workers: Working from home in Missouri for an out-of-state company? Missouri still wants their cut of your income.
- Multiple jobs: Working more than one job in Missouri? You might need to adjust your withholding to avoid a surprise tax bill.
If you’re self-employed or run a small business, definitely check out Tax Loopholes for Small Business for some money-saving ideas.
How Missouri Compares to Neighboring States
Curious how your paycheck would look across state lines? Here’s the quick comparison:
- Kansas: Fewer tax brackets (just 3) but higher top rate (5.7% vs Missouri’s 5.3%)
- Illinois: Flat 4.95% tax on everyone, vs Missouri’s graduated system
- Arkansas: Lower top rate (4.9%) but you don’t hit it until $84,500 (vs Missouri’s 5.3% at just $8,705)
- Iowa: Moving to a 3.9% flat tax, which is lower than Missouri’s top rate
The big difference is those city earnings taxes. Most neighboring states don’t let cities tax your income directly like St. Louis and KC do.
Want more planning tools? Check out our Year-Over-Year Growth Calculator for other financial calculations.
Missouri Paycheck FAQ
How much will Missouri state tax take from my paycheck? For a typical $50,000 salary, Missouri takes about $150-200 per month, depending on your deductions and filing status.
Does Missouri tax overtime differently? Nope, same tax rates apply. But the extra income might bump you into a higher bracket.
How do I change my Missouri withholding? Fill out a new MO W-4 form and give it to your employer. This is separate from the federal W-4.
What’s the deal with Kansas City and St. Louis taxes? Both cities charge a 1% earnings tax on anyone who lives or works there. Your employer should withhold this automatically.
Is my employer calculating my withholding correctly? Our calculator can help you double-check. If something seems off, talk to your payroll department.
Need help with tax payments? Check out Form 433D: Set Up Direct Debit Installment Payments with the IRS.
Calculate Your Missouri Paycheck Now
Don’t wonder about your take-home pay – know for sure! Use our Missouri paycheck calculator above to see exactly what you’ll get on payday.
Not sure about some numbers? Check your most recent pay stub or ask HR for the specific amounts.
Need more financial help? Our Financial Rights to the Assets of a Business and Tax Estimator resources can help.
Remember: knowing your paycheck inside and out is the first step to taking control of your money in the Show-Me State!