The Missouri House of Representatives recently approved legislation that could significantly reshape the state’s tax structure. The proposal—supported by Governor Mike Kehoe and sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson and Rep. Bishop Davidson—would ask Missouri voters to approve a constitutional amendment allowing the state to eliminate the individual income tax.
The Missouri income tax elimination proposal would represent one of the most significant structural changes to the state’s tax system in decades.
The proposal would require voter approval and additional legislative action before any changes to Missouri’s tax structure takes effect.
Missouri currently generates approximately $7.75 billion annually from individual income taxes, according to data from the Missouri Department of Revenue. To replace that revenue, the proposal would allow lawmakers to:
- Increase sales and use tax rates
- Expand the sales tax base to include services that are not currently subject to sales tax
The legislation would give the Missouri General Assembly authority to determine which services become taxable and how sales tax rates may be adjusted in future legislative sessions.
Business groups, including the Associated Industries of Missouri, have noted that the proposal does not currently include a detailed replacement revenue structure. Instead, the framework would allow lawmakers to determine the specific tax changes through future legislation.
Scope of the Proposed Income Tax Elimination
Under the current proposal, the income tax phaseout would apply to “natural persons.”
This means the proposal would apply to individual taxpayers rather than corporations.
As currently drafted:
- Individual wage earners could see their Missouri individual income tax reduced or eliminated over time.
- Business owners operating through pass-through entities—such as partnerships, S corporations, and sole proprietorships—could experience different tax outcomes depending on how future legislation is structured.
Pass-through entities typically report business income through the owner’s individual tax return. Additional legislative guidance would be required to determine how those entities would be treated under the proposed tax changes.
Possible Sales Tax Changes
Because the proposal would allow lawmakers to replace income tax revenue through expanded sales and use taxes, businesses could see changes in how certain transactions are taxed.
Potential changes could include:
- Expansion of sales tax to include additional services
- Increases in state sales tax rates
- Adjustments to existing exemptions or tax classifications through future legislation
Other potential changes could include expanded sales tax rules affecting services and digital transactions. Businesses may want to review broader sales and use tax compliance considerations to better understand how new taxable categories could affect operations.
Any such changes would require separate legislative action and would likely be phased in over time.
Potential Implications for Businesses
Although the proposal remains in the legislative process, it could have several implications for businesses depending on how future legislation is structured.
Pass-Through Entity Considerations
Many small and mid-sized businesses operate as:
- S corporations
- Partnerships
- Sole proprietorships
Because these entities typically pass income through to owners’ individual returns, the ultimate impact of any income tax changes would depend on how pass-through income is treated under future legislation.
Possible Expansion of Sales Taxes to Services
If Missouri expands its sales tax base to include services, businesses may see sales tax applied to categories that are currently not taxed.
Examples could include:
- Professional services
- Software and digital services
- Consulting or outsourced services
- Maintenance or operational services
Any such changes could affect business operating costs and sales tax compliance requirements.
Legislative Status
The proposal will now move to the Missouri Senate, where it will be considered by Sen. Curtis Trent.
If the Senate approves the measure, the proposal would then appear on a future ballot for Missouri voters to decide whether to amend the state constitution.
Because the proposal would require both legislative and voter approval—and additional legislation to implement specific tax changes—its final structure and timeline remain uncertain.
Bottom Line
If passed, the proposal would represent a significant shift in Missouri’s tax structure from income-based taxation toward greater reliance on sales and use taxes.
However, the ultimate impact on businesses and individual taxpayers will depend on:
- Whether the proposal advances through the Missouri Senate
- Voter approval of the constitutional amendment
- Future legislation defining how sales taxes and other revenue sources would replace current income tax revenue
Businesses should continue monitoring legislative developments and may wish to consult with tax advisors as additional details become available.