Live in Missouri, work in Iowa
Without wage reciprocity, the work state may tax wages earned there. Your home state generally offers a limited credit for eligible tax paid on the same income. Filing requirements, credit limits and local taxes need a separate check.
Official tax guidance for both states
Check withholding, filing requirements and current forms with each state's tax agency.
- Missouri: Department of Revenue - Business Tax (opens in new tab)
- Iowa: Iowa Department of Revenue (opens in new tab)
Agency directory checked 2026-10-01 against the IRS state-government directory. This verifies the agency links, not an individual tax result. Use forms for the year you are filing.
Before you use this estimate
This model assumes a full-year resident of Missouri, ordinary employee wages and all workdays physically in Iowa. Check exemption eligibility before treating a work-state amount of $0 as your own result. Withholding is a prepayment, not final tax liability. Other income, a move during the year, remote work and separate local taxes or credits can change the result.
State income tax: $3,670 a year
Modeled annual state income tax for living in Missouri and working in Iowa: about $3,670 on $100,000 of wages.
Without wage reciprocity, the work state may tax wages earned there. Your home state generally offers a limited credit for eligible tax paid on the same income. Filing requirements, credit limits and local taxes need a separate check.
Tax guide and official sources: live in Missouri, work in Iowa
Official agency starting points: Missouri tax agency (opens in new tab) · Iowa tax agency (opens in new tab). These directory links identify the selected states' agencies, not your filing obligations. Check their individual-tax guidance and forms for the year you are filing.
This is the usual filing pattern, not a determination that you must file. Filing thresholds, age or dependent status, other income and withholding refunds can change which returns you need.
How this $100,000 estimate adds up
These steps follow the selected home, work state, salary and filing status. They reconcile the model's annual liability, not the amounts withheld from your paycheck.
| Step | Iowa work state | Missouri home state |
|---|---|---|
| Tax before the modeled other-state credit | $3,148 | $3,670 |
| Modeled other-state credit subtracted | $0 | $3,148 |
| Tax after that credit | $3,148 | $522 |
Total: $3,148 + $522 = $3,670 a year. Amounts are rounded for display. Work-state wage exemptions, when applicable, are already reflected in the first row; they are not an other-state credit.
The modeled credit is applied in Missouri, the home state. Actual eligibility and credit limits require the state instructions. Included county components stay in these amounts; excluded local taxes and credits stay excluded. Federal income tax, payroll programs and refund eligibility are outside this reconciliation.
State tax at different salaries
| Wages | To IA | To MO | Modeled total | If you worked in MO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,248 | $120 | $1,368 | $1,368 |
| $75,000 | $2,198 | $335 | $2,534 | $2,534 |
| $100,000 | $3,148 | $522 | $3,670 | $3,670 |
| $150,000 | $5,048 | $1,064 | $6,113 | $6,113 |
| $250,000 | $8,848 | $1,964 | $10,813 | $10,813 |
Single filer, all wages earned in Iowa, 2026 state tax rules, standard deductions. Local income taxes not included.
What to do
- Ask your employer to withhold Iowa tax. If Missouri's tax is higher, withhold the difference for Missouri too (or make estimated payments) to avoid an underpayment penalty.
- File the Iowa nonresident return first, then claim the credit for taxes paid to another state on your Missouri resident return.
- Keep a record of the days you work in each state, especially if you sometimes work from home.
Local income taxes
- Missouri: Kansas City and St. Louis levy a 1% earnings tax on residents (all wages) and nonresidents (wages earned in the city) - relevant for KS and IL commuters.
- Iowa: School district income surtax on residents only (percentage of state tax); does not affect nonresident commuters.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay Iowa income tax if I live in Missouri?
Yes. Iowa taxes wages earned there by nonresidents. On $100,000 that's about $3,148.
Do I have to file taxes in both Missouri and Iowa?
Usually yes: a nonresident return in Iowa and a resident return in Missouri, where you claim a credit for the tax paid to Iowa. File the Iowa return first.
Will I be taxed twice?
The modeled state credit reduces overlap on eligible wages; separate local taxes or sourcing differences can still leave additional tax. Missouri credits the tax you pay Iowa, so your total is about $3,670 on $100,000, compared with $3,670 if you also worked in Missouri. Local city or county taxes may still apply.
Related
- Live in Iowa, work in Missouri
- Moving from Missouri to Iowa
- Moving from Iowa to Missouri
- Live in Missouri, work in Arkansas
- Live in Missouri, work in Illinois
- Live in Missouri, work in Kansas
- Live in Missouri, work in Kentucky
- Live in Missouri, work in Nebraska
- Live in Missouri, work in Oklahoma
- Live in Missouri, work in Tennessee
Rules reviewed 2026-09-24 from state revenue departments and the Tax Foundation. Estimates only; confirm with each state's revenue department.