Missouri retirement taxes at a glance (2026)
| State income tax | Graduated, top rate 4.7%Missouri has graduated rates from 2% to 4.7%; the top rate applies above $9,436 of taxable income in 2026. |
|---|---|
| Social Security | Not taxedSince 2024 Missouri does not tax Social Security for people 62 and older or for Social Security disability. |
| Pensions | Partly taxedPrivate pensions get an exemption of up to $6,000 per person, fully available only below $25,000 AGI (single) or $32,000 (joint). Exclusion: up to $6,000. |
| 401(k) and IRA withdrawals | Partly taxedRetirement account withdrawals are generally taxed; lower-income filers may qualify for the $6,000 private pension exemption. |
| Government pensions | Partly taxedPublic pensions can be deducted up to the maximum Social Security benefit ($48,967 for 2026), with no income limit; the cap is reduced by any Social Security deduction claimed. |
| Military retirement pay | Not taxedMilitary retirement pay is fully deductible. |
| Estate tax | No |
| Inheritance tax | No |
| Property tax help for seniors | Seniors and disabled residents can claim a property tax credit of up to $1,100 (owners) or $750 (renters), based on income and taxes paid. |
| Sales tax | State sales tax is 4.225%; the average combined rate is about 8.44%. |
Recent changes and good to know
- The revenue trigger for a further top-rate cut was not met for 2026, so the top rate stays at 4.7%.
- From tax year 2025 Missouri lets filers subtract 100% of federally reported capital gains.
- Since 2024 the public pension exemption has no income limit and is capped at the maximum Social Security benefit ($47,633 for 2025; $48,967 for 2026).
How to lower your retirement taxes in Missouri
- Mix your income sources. Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free at the federal level and generally in Missouri too, so a Roth conversion before retirement can cut state tax later. Try the Roth conversion calculator.
- Watch federal Medicare costs. Large IRA withdrawals can raise your Medicare premiums. Check the 2026 IRMAA brackets.
- Think about your heirs. See what your IRA will really cost your family with the Family Tax Rate calculator.
- Comparing states? These have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming.
Frequently asked questions
Does Missouri tax retirement income?
Partly: Missouri exempts Social Security and military pensions and most public pension income, but taxes most private pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s.
Does Missouri tax Social Security?
Since 2024 Missouri does not tax Social Security for people 62 and older or for Social Security disability.
Does Missouri tax pensions?
Private pensions get an exemption of up to $6,000 per person, fully available only below $25,000 AGI (single) or $32,000 (joint).
Does Missouri tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?
Retirement account withdrawals are generally taxed; lower-income filers may qualify for the $6,000 private pension exemption.
Does Missouri tax military retirement pay?
Military retirement pay is fully deductible.
Sources (last verified 2026)
- Pension FAQs — Missouri Department of Revenue (2026)
- Missouri State Tax Guide — AARP (2026-04-01)
- State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026 — Tax Foundation (2026-02-17)
Educational content only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Plans and tax laws change; confirm details with your employer's plan documents or your state revenue department. Smart Financial Lifestyle is not affiliated with any employer named on this site.