Retiring in Missouri: how your income is taxed
Missouri is fairly tax-friendly for retirees. On a typical retirement income it ranks #39 of 51 for the lowest state income tax.
The rules in Missouri
- Social Security: Social Security is 100% exempt starting tax year 2024, with no income limit.
- Pensions: Private pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs: up to $6,000 per person can be exempt, in full only if Missouri AGI minus taxable Social Security is under $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint). Above that, every dollar over comes off the amount you exempt. Public (government) pensions are exempt up to Missouri's maximum Social Security benefit figure ($47,633 for 2025), minus any Social Security you deduct, with no income limit.
- 401(k), 403(b) and IRA withdrawals: 401(k) and IRA withdrawals share the same $6,000-per-person private pension exemption and its income limits: $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint), measured on Missouri AGI minus taxable Social Security. Amounts above the exemption are taxed.
- At 65 and older: Missouri's standard deduction matches the federal one, including the extra amount at 65 ($2,050 single, $1,650 per spouse for 2026). The federal senior deduction can't be claimed on the Missouri return.
Calculate your Missouri retirement taxes
State income tax in Missouri: $795 a year
In Missouri, the 401(k)/IRA amount counts as IRA withdrawals, which don't qualify for the pension exclusion. Enter withdrawals from employer plans such as a 401(k) or 403(b) as pension.
In Missouri you'd pay about $795 in state income tax and $4,336 in federal income tax on $70,000 of retirement income, keeping $64,869 (7.3% total).
Missouri ranks #39 of 51 for the lowest state tax on this income. 19 states charge no state income tax on this income.
What retirees pay in Missouri
| Retirement income | State tax (single) | State tax (married) | Federal tax (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $24,000 Social Security, $12,000 401(k)/IRA | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $30,000 Social Security, $20,000 pension, $20,000 401(k)/IRA | $795 | $0 | $4,336 |
| $40,000 Social Security, $40,000 pension, $50,000 401(k)/IRA, $10,000 other income | $3,527 | $2,781 | $19,812 |
Age 67 or older, 2026 rules including the federal senior deduction. For married couples, income is the household total and both spouses are 67 or older. State estimates apply Missouri's main exclusions and may differ for income-tested credits.
States with lower retirement taxes
Moving to Missouri in retirement?
Compare the tax on your Social Security, pension and 401(k)/IRA income, and typical living costs, with the state you'd leave. These are the states most households moving to Missouri come from (IRS migration data, 2022–2023).
- Kansas to Missouri
- Illinois to Missouri
- Texas to Missouri
- California to Missouri
- Florida to Missouri
- Arkansas to Missouri
Frequently asked questions
Does Missouri tax Social Security?
Not taxed. Social Security is 100% exempt starting tax year 2024, with no income limit.
Does Missouri tax pensions?
Partly taxed. Private pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs: up to $6,000 per person can be exempt, in full only if Missouri AGI minus taxable Social Security is under $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint). Above that, every dollar over comes off the amount you exempt. Public (government) pensions are exempt up to Missouri's maximum Social Security benefit figure ($47,633 for 2025), minus any Social Security you deduct, with no income limit.
Does Missouri tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?
Partly taxed. 401(k) and IRA withdrawals share the same $6,000-per-person private pension exemption and its income limits: $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint), measured on Missouri AGI minus taxable Social Security. Amounts above the exemption are taxed.
Is Missouri a good state to retire for taxes?
For a single retiree with $30,000 Social Security, $20,000 pension, $20,000 401(k)/IRA, Missouri charges about $795 in state income tax, ranking #39 of 51 (lowest tax first).
Related
Sources: dor.mo.gov, dor.mo.gov (2), dor.mo.gov (3), revisor.mo.gov, dor.mo.gov (4), psrs-peers.org. Rules reviewed . Some 2026 amounts were not yet published or sources differed; confirm with the state revenue department.