Tip: Start from the federal W-4 calculator to pre-fill your pay and federal results here automatically.
Your Paycheck
Filing Status
Credits & Adjustments (Optional)
Leave blank if you're not sure — these only affect your federal withholding.
$2,200 per child under 17 · $500 per other dependent. Reduces your withholding.
Add extra to cover side income, freelance, or investment income each paycheck.
Non-wage income: freelance, dividends, rental income. Annual total.
If you itemize and deductions exceed the standard deduction. Annual total.
File your Missouri return
Total withholding per paycheck
$298
$7,738 / year
Gross pay minus federal, FICA, and state taxes
Federal
Missouri State Tax
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Missouri uses its own form: the MO W-4
Missouri does not use your federal W-4 to set state withholding. You give your employer Form MO W-4, the Employee's Withholding Certificate. It no longer counts allowances. Instead, Line 1 asks for your filing status, including whether you are married and your spouse does or does not work, and Line 2 lets you ask for additional withholding per pay period.
How Missouri calculates withholding for 2026
Employers annualize your pay, subtract the standard deduction, and apply a graduated schedule: 0% on the first $1,348, then 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, and 4.7% on everything above $9,436. Missouri follows the federal standard deduction: $16,100 if you are single, married filing separately or married with a working spouse, $24,150 for head of household, and $32,200 if you are married and your spouse does not work.
The Department of Revenue's own example is an employee earning $35,000 with a working spouse: taxable income after the $16,100 deduction is $18,900, and annual Missouri withholding is about $707.81.
Bonuses and overtime
If supplemental or overtime pay comes with regular wages, the formula applies to the combined amount. If it is paid separately, an employer may withhold a flat 4.7% instead, or add it to regular pay and subtract what was already withheld.
St. Louis and Kansas City
Missouri state withholding is separate from the 1% earnings tax that St. Louis and Kansas City charge on wages. Employers withhold it separately, and this calculator estimates state income tax only.
Missouri W-4 FAQ
What is Missouri's top income tax rate for 2026?+
4.7%, reached on annual taxable income above $9,436 in the withholding formula.
Does Missouri use the federal W-4?+
No. Missouri uses Form MO W-4, which sets filing status and additional withholding. The federal W-4 controls federal withholding only.
What is Missouri's standard deduction for 2026?+
In the withholding formula it is $16,100 for single, married filing separately, and married with a working spouse; $24,150 for head of household; and $32,200 for married with a spouse who does not work.
Does Missouri still use allowances?+
No. The current MO W-4 uses filing status and an optional additional withholding amount. Older Missouri materials that mention allowances are out of date.
How is a bonus taxed in Missouri?+
If paid separately from regular wages, an employer may withhold a flat 4.7% or use the combined-wages method. Your actual tax is settled when you file your return.
Start with your federal W-4
Your Missouri withholding follows your pay, but your W-4 is federal. Get the exact lines to fill in.
Open the W-4 Calculator →