St. Louis Earnings Tax Calculator 2026 โ 1% City Tax
Calculate St. Louis 1% earnings tax plus Missouri state tax (4.7%) and federal income tax. Toggle between St. Louis and Kansas City. See total take-home pay.
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For hybrid/remote workers $0
Net Take-Home Pay
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City Earnings Tax (1%)
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Missouri State Tax (4.7%)
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Federal Income Tax
Full Tax Breakdown
How the St. Louis Earnings Tax Works
St. Louis city charges a 1% earnings tax on all wages, salaries, and net self-employment income earned within city limits. Both residents and non-residents who work in the city owe this tax. Kansas City, Missouri also charges 1% under a similar ordinance โ the only two Missouri cities authorized to impose earnings taxes under Missouri law.
The tax is withheld by your employer if you work in St. Louis, similar to FICA withholding. Self-employed individuals pay it with their annual return.
The Tax Formula
City Earnings Tax = Gross Income x % In-City x 1%
MO State Tax = (Gross Income - federal standard deduction) x 4.7%
Federal Tax = standard bracket calculation
Net Pay = Gross - City Tax - MO State Tax - Federal Tax
MO State Tax = (Gross Income - federal standard deduction) x 4.7%
Federal Tax = standard bracket calculation
Net Pay = Gross - City Tax - MO State Tax - Federal Tax
Example
David earns $80,000 working full-time in St. Louis city (single, 100% in-city):
St. Louis earnings tax: $80,000 x 1% = $800
MO state tax: ($80,000 - $16,100) x 4.7% = $63,900 x 4.7% = $3,003
Federal tax: ~$11,494
Net take-home: $80,000 - $800 - $3,003 - $11,494 = $64,703
St. Louis earnings tax: $80,000 x 1% = $800
MO state tax: ($80,000 - $16,100) x 4.7% = $63,900 x 4.7% = $3,003
Federal tax: ~$11,494
Net take-home: $80,000 - $800 - $3,003 - $11,494 = $64,703
Extended
St. Louis vs Kansas City vs Missouri Cities Tax Comparison
Compare earnings tax burden across Missouri cities and analyze the earnings tax history and impact
Resident vs Non-Resident Comparison
| Scenario | City Earnings Tax | MO State Tax | Federal Tax | Net Pay |
|---|
Missouri Cities Earnings Tax Comparison
| City | Earnings Tax | Tax on $80,000 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis (city) | 1.0% | $800 | Residents + non-residents |
| Kansas City | 1.0% | $800 | Residents + non-residents |
| St. Louis County | 0% | $0 | No earnings tax |
| Springfield | 0% | $0 | No earnings tax |
| Columbia | 0% | $0 | No earnings tax |
| Jefferson City | 0% | $0 | No earnings tax |
| Other MO cities | 0% | $0 | Only STL & KC authorized by MO law |
Remote Work Tax Savings at Different In-City %
| Days In-City/Week | In-City % | City Tax | Annual Savings vs 100% |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Louis city earnings tax rate in 2026?
St. Louis city imposes a 1% earnings tax on all wages, salaries, and self-employment income earned within city limits. This applies to both residents of St. Louis city AND non-residents who work within city limits. Kansas City, Missouri also imposes a 1% earnings tax with similar rules. These are the only two Missouri cities currently authorized to levy earnings taxes under state law.
Do I owe St. Louis earnings tax if I work remotely from outside the city?
Only wages earned for work physically performed within St. Louis city limits are subject to the 1% earnings tax. If you work remotely from home outside the city, those wages are generally not subject to St. Louis earnings tax. However, wages for days you work at your employer's St. Louis office are taxable. Keep records of days worked in-city vs. remote to allocate accurately.
What is Missouri state income tax for 2026?
Missouri has a flat 4.7% income tax rate for 2026, reduced from 4.95% in 2024. Missouri uses a standard deduction matching the federal amount ($16,100 single, $32,200 MFJ for 2026). Missouri also allows a deduction for federal income taxes paid, which can significantly reduce Missouri taxable income for higher earners.
Has there been any effort to repeal the St. Louis earnings tax?
Yes. Missouri voters passed Proposition A in 2011 requiring St. Louis and Kansas City to put their earnings taxes to a public vote every 5 years to keep them in place. Voters have approved renewal of both cities' earnings taxes in subsequent votes. Some political groups continue to push for elimination, arguing it disadvantages the cities economically compared to their suburbs.
How does the St. Louis earnings tax affect where people choose to live and work?
The 1% earnings tax creates a financial incentive for workers to live in St. Louis County (outside city limits) rather than the city, even if they work in the city. For a worker earning $100,000, the annual earnings tax is $1,000 โ but this is the same whether they live in the city or not. Residents who work in the suburbs pay no earnings tax. This dynamic, combined with property tax differences, affects residency decisions in the metro area.