How to Pay Missouri State Income Tax
Where and how to pay Missouri state income tax
Missouri residents pay state income tax through the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can pay online through their website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a regional office. The method you choose depends on when you're paying, how much you owe, and whether you're filing a return or making an estimated payment.
Most people pay through their employer's payroll system — your employer withholds a portion of each paycheck and sends it to the state on your behalf. If you're self-employed, own a business, or have income that isn't subject to withholding, you'll make payments directly to the state.
The deadline to file your Missouri return and pay any balance due is the same as the federal deadline, typically April 15. If you file for an extension, your return is due October 15, but any tax owed is still due by April 15 — the extension only delays filing, not payment.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay Missouri state income tax online at revenue.mo.gov, by mail, by phone at 573-751-3505, or in person at a Department of Revenue office.
- Payments made online or by phone are processed immediately, while mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the department.
- If you owe tax when you file, you can pay at the same time you submit your return or pay separately before the April 15 deadline.
- Self-employed people and those with income not subject to withholding must make quarterly estimated tax payments on specific dates throughout the year.
- Late payments accrue interest at the rate set by Missouri law, and penalties apply if tax remains unpaid after the deadline.
Paying online through the Missouri Department of Revenue
The Missouri Department of Revenue website (revenue.mo.gov) accepts online payments using a third-party processor. You'll need your Social Security number or federal employer identification number, the tax year you're paying for, and the amount owed. The site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers (ACH).
Online payments are processed the same day you submit them. The processor charges a convenience fee — the amount varies depending on your payment method and is shown before you confirm. This fee is separate from your tax bill and is not deductible.
If you're paying a balance due when you file your return, you can pay online at the same time you submit your return through Missouri's e-file system, or you can file first and pay separately within a few days.
Paying by mail or phone
To pay by mail, send a check or money order along with your tax return or a payment voucher to the Missouri Department of Revenue at the address listed on their website. Include your name, address, Social Security number, the tax year, and the amount enclosed. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the department and be recorded in your account.
To pay by phone, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505 during business hours. You'll need to provide your Social Security number, the tax year, and the amount you're paying. Phone payments are processed immediately, but a convenience fee applies.
If you're paying late, the postmark date on your envelope counts as your payment date for interest and penalty purposes — so a check postmarked by April 15 is considered on time even if it arrives later. Keep your receipt or cancelled check as proof of payment.
Estimated tax payments for self-employed people and business owners
If you're self-employed or have significant income not subject to withholding, Missouri requires you to make quarterly estimated tax payments. These are due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Each payment covers one quarter of your expected annual tax liability.
You can make estimated payments online, by mail, or by phone using the same methods as regular tax payments. When you pay online or by mail, include a payment voucher or note the tax year and that it's an estimated payment so the department credits it correctly.
If you underpay your estimated taxes, you may owe interest and penalties when you file your annual return. If you overpay, the excess is credited to your next year's tax or returned to you, depending on what you request when you file.
What happens if you pay late
Missouri charges interest on unpaid tax at a rate set by state law, compounded daily. The rate changes quarterly and is published on the Department of Revenue website. Interest begins accruing the day after the tax is due.
A failure-to-pay penalty also applies if tax remains unpaid after the deadline. The penalty is typically a percentage of the unpaid tax and increases the longer the debt remains outstanding. Both interest and penalties are added to your balance and must be paid along with the original tax.
If you cannot pay by the deadline, contact the Department of Revenue to discuss payment plans or other options. The state may allow you to pay in installments, which stops additional penalties from accruing while you're making regular payments.
Payment plans and hardship options
If you owe Missouri state income tax but cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, you can request an installment agreement. The Department of Revenue will work with you to set up a payment schedule based on what you can afford. A setup fee applies, and interest continues to accrue on the unpaid balance.
If you're experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to request a temporary delay in collection or a reduction in penalties. Contact the Department of Revenue directly to explain your situation and ask what options are available. Having documentation of your hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other significant expense — strengthens your request.
Keeping records of your payment
Save proof of every tax payment you make. If you pay online, print or save the confirmation page showing the date, amount, and confirmation number. If you pay by mail, keep a copy of the cancelled check or money order receipt. If you pay by phone, write down the confirmation number and date.
These records protect you if there's ever a dispute about whether the payment was received or applied correctly. The Department of Revenue's website allows you to check your account balance and payment history online — log in with your credentials to verify that each payment has been recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Missouri state income tax with a credit card?
Yes, the online payment system accepts credit and debit cards. A convenience fee is charged by the processor and added to your payment. You can also pay by electronic bank transfer (ACH) online, which typically has a lower fee than credit card payments.
What if I file my federal return late — does that affect my Missouri deadline?
No. Missouri's tax deadline is independent of the federal deadline. If you file for a federal extension, you must still pay any Missouri tax owed by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties, even though your return isn't due until October 15.
Do I have to pay if my employer already withheld taxes from my paycheck?
Only if your withholding didn't cover your full tax liability for the year. When you file your return, the Department of Revenue compares what was withheld to what you actually owe. If you overpaid, you receive a refund. If you underpaid, you owe the difference.
Can I set up automatic payments from my bank account?
The online payment system allows you to pay by electronic bank transfer (ACH) each time you make a payment, but Missouri does not currently offer recurring automatic payments. You must initiate each payment manually through the Department of Revenue website or by phone.
What if I move out of Missouri — do I still owe state income tax?
That depends on when you moved and your residency status. If you were a Missouri resident for part of the year, you owe tax on income earned while you were a resident. Contact the Department of Revenue or consult a tax professional about your specific situation, as residency rules vary.