Missouri Paycheck Calculator

How to Use the Missouri Paycheck Calculator

Our Missouri paycheck calculator helps you understand exactly how much money you'll take home after taxes and deductions. Whether you're starting a new job, negotiating a salary, or planning your budget, this tool gives you accurate calculations based on 2024 federal and Missouri state tax rates.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter Your Salary or Hourly Rate: Input your annual salary or hourly wage. If you're paid hourly, select "Hourly Rate" from the dropdown and enter your hours per week (typically 40 hours).

2. Select Your Pay Frequency: Choose how often you get paid. Common options include bi-weekly (every two weeks, 26 paychecks per year), semi-monthly (twice per month, 24 paychecks per year), weekly, or monthly.

3. Choose Your Filing Status: Select whether you file taxes as single, married filing jointly, or head of household. This affects your tax brackets and standard deduction.

4. Enter Federal Allowances: This number comes from your W-4 form and affects how much federal tax is withheld. More allowances mean less tax withheld per paycheck (but potentially owing more at tax time).

5. Add Pre-Tax Deductions: Include any 401(k) contributions (as a percentage) or other pre-tax deductions like health insurance premiums. These reduce your taxable income.

6. Click Calculate: See your exact take-home pay and a complete breakdown of all taxes and deductions.

Understanding Your Results

Gross Pay: This is your total earnings before any deductions. For salaried employees, it's your annual salary divided by the number of pay periods. For hourly workers, it's your hourly rate multiplied by hours worked.

Federal Income Tax: The amount withheld for federal income tax based on IRS tax brackets for 2024. This uses a progressive tax system where different portions of your income are taxed at different rates.

Missouri State Tax: Missouri has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 0% to 4.95% for 2024. The calculator applies the correct rate based on your income level.

Social Security Tax: A flat 6.2% tax on wages up to the Social Security wage base ($168,600 for 2024). This funds Social Security benefits.

Medicare Tax: A flat 1.45% tax on all wages with no income limit. High earners ($200,000+ for single filers) pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax.

Take-Home Pay: Your net pay after all taxes and deductions. This is the amount that will actually be deposited into your bank account.

Missouri State Tax Information (2024)

Missouri Income Tax Rates

Missouri uses a progressive tax system with the following brackets for 2024:

• 0% on income up to $1,273
• 2% on income between $1,274 and $2,546
• 2.5% on income between $2,547 and $3,819
• 3% on income between $3,820 and $5,092
• 3.5% on income between $5,093 and $6,365
• 4% on income between $6,366 and $7,638
• 4.5% on income between $7,639 and $8,911
• 4.8% on income over $8,911

Note: Missouri's top rate was reduced from 4.95% to 4.8% for 2024, and will drop to 4.7% for 2025 as part of ongoing tax cuts.

Missouri Standard Deduction

Missouri offers a standard deduction that reduces your taxable income:

• Single filers: $12,950
• Married filing jointly: $25,900
• Head of household: $19,400

No Local Income Tax in Most Areas

Most Missouri residents don't pay local income tax. However, Kansas City and St. Louis both impose a 1% earnings tax on people who work in the city. If you work in Kansas City or St. Louis (even if you live elsewhere), you'll need to account for this additional 1% tax on your earnings. This local tax is separate from Missouri state income tax.

Common Paycheck Scenarios in Missouri

Example 1: Entry-Level Position ($35,000/year)

A single filer making $35,000 annually, paid bi-weekly, with no 401(k) contributions would take home approximately $27,000 per year or about $1,038 per paycheck after federal tax, Missouri state tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Example 2: Mid-Career Professional ($65,000/year)

A married filer making $65,000 annually, paid bi-weekly, contributing 5% to 401(k) would take home approximately $48,500 per year or about $1,865 per paycheck.

Example 3: Senior Professional ($100,000/year)

A single filer making $100,000 annually, paid bi-weekly, contributing 10% to 401(k) would take home approximately $66,500 per year or about $2,558 per paycheck.

Hourly Worker Example ($20/hour)

A single filer working 40 hours per week at $20/hour ($41,600 annually) would take home approximately $32,000 per year or about $1,230 per bi-weekly paycheck.

Maximizing Your Take-Home Pay

1. Optimize Your W-4 Withholding

Review your W-4 form annually. If you're getting large tax refunds, you're having too much withheld. Adjust your allowances to keep more money in each paycheck (but be careful not to underwithhold and owe taxes).

2. Contribute to Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts

401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income. Contributing 10% of a $60,000 salary saves you about $1,800 in federal taxes annually while building retirement savings.

3. Take Advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

If you have a high-deductible health plan, HSA contributions are pre-tax, reducing both income tax and FICA taxes. The 2024 limit is $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families.

4. Use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

FSAs let you pay for medical expenses and dependent care with pre-tax dollars. The 2024 limit is $3,200 for healthcare FSAs and $5,000 for dependent care FSAs.

5. Review Your Tax Filing Status

Married couples should compare married filing jointly vs. separately to see which gives better results. Head of household status offers better tax rates than single filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this paycheck calculator?

Our calculator uses 2024 federal and Missouri state tax rates and follows IRS withholding formulas. Results are very accurate for most situations, but may vary slightly based on specific deductions, credits, or local taxes (like Kansas City or St. Louis earnings tax).

Why is my actual paycheck different from the calculator?

Common reasons include: employer-specific benefits (health insurance, life insurance), local city taxes, garnishments, additional withholdings you requested, or voluntary deductions like union dues or charitable contributions.

How often should I use this calculator?

Use it when starting a new job, getting a raise, changing your W-4 withholding, adjusting retirement contributions, or when tax laws change (typically annually).

Do I pay Missouri state tax if I work remotely?

Generally, you pay state income tax to the state where you physically work, not where your employer is located. If you live and work in Missouri, you pay Missouri tax. If you live in Missouri but work in another state, you may owe taxes to both states (but Missouri offers a credit for taxes paid to other states).

What if I live in Illinois but work in Missouri?

You'll pay Missouri income tax on wages earned in Missouri. You must also file an Illinois return, but Illinois provides a credit for taxes paid to Missouri, preventing double taxation.

How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?

Financial advisors typically recommend contributing at least enough to get your full employer match (usually 3-6%). Ideally, aim for 10-15% of your income. The 2024 contribution limit is $23,000 (or $30,500 if you're 50 or older).

When do Missouri state taxes change?

Missouri tax rates can change when the state legislature passes new tax laws, typically effective for the following tax year. Always check for updates at the beginning of each year.