Missouri paycheck calculator.

Worked example

Biweekly gross $2,500, single, $100 section 125 premium and $150 traditional 401(k). Income-tax wages are $2,250. Federal income tax $186.15, Social Security $148.80 and Medicare $34.80 (the same federal figures as the U.S. Paycheck Calculator example).

• Missouri: $2,250 × 26 = $58,500; minus the $16,100 standard deduction = $42,400 taxable. The annual table is $263 on the first $9,436, then 4.7%: $263 + 4.7% × ($42,400 − $9,436) = $1,812.31 a year, ÷ 26 = $69.70, rounded to the whole dollar Missouri requires: $70.00.
• Take-home: $2,500 − $250 pre-tax − $186.15 − $148.80 − $34.80 − $70.00 = $1,810.25.

How it is calculated

Federal withholding is IRS Publication 15-T (2026) Worksheet 1A for a Form W-4 from 2020 or later, and Social Security (6.2% to $184,500), Medicare (1.45%) and Additional Medicare Tax (0.9% over $200,000) follow IRS Publication 15. The Department of Revenue’s 2026 formula annualizes the wage, subtracts the standard deduction for the Form MO W-4 filing status ($16,100 single, married with a working spouse and married filing separately; $32,200 married with a spouse who does not work; $24,150 head of household), applies the annual percentage table (0% on the first $1,348, then rates of 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4% and 4.5% on successive $1,348 bands, and 4.7% above $9,436) and divides by the number of pay periods. Missouri requires the amount withheld to be rounded to the nearest whole dollar, so this tool does the same.

Assumption: the pre-tax amounts you enter reduce Missouri taxable wages the same way they reduce federal income-tax wages; your employer’s payroll setup controls the exact treatment. Not covered: W-4s from 2019 or earlier, supplemental pay paid separately (a flat 4.7% option), the extra withholding on MO W-4 line 2 and local earnings taxes (use the local tax field), and wage bracket method rounding. This is a planning estimate, not an official calculation or tax advice.

Sources and as-of dates

• 2026 Missouri Withholding Tax Formula: standard deductions by filing status, the annual percentage table, rounding rule and the $35,000 worked example ($707.81 a year).
• IRS Publication 15-T (2026): dated Dec 3, 2025: Worksheet 1A and the annual Percentage Method tables used for federal withholding.
• IRS Publication 15 (2026), Employer’s Tax Guide: dated Dec 15, 2025: 6.2% Social Security up to a $184,500 wage base, 1.45% Medicare, 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax over $200,000.
• Figures retrieved October 16, 2026. States and the IRS republish these formulas, usually each January; this tool covers 2026 only. It does not look anything up from a government system.

FAQ

Why does my real paycheck differ from this estimate?

Employers may use printed Missouri tables instead of the formula, round differently, apply your exact Form W-4 entries and withhold local, disability, benefit and retirement amounts this tool does not model. Treat the result as an estimate, not tax advice.

Why is my Missouri withholding a whole number of dollars?

Missouri’s formula sheet says employers must round the amount withheld to the nearest whole dollar, so the state line here is always whole dollars.

Is "spouse does not work" a separate filing status?

No. The formula sheet says it is determined by the check box on line 1 of Form MO W-4, not by a separate status, and it doubles the standard deduction to $32,200.

How is overtime or a bonus withheld in Missouri?

If paid with regular wages, the formula is applied to the total. If paid separately, the employer may withhold a flat 4.7% or use the aggregate method. This calculator models regular pay only.

Does a 401(k) deferral lower Social Security and Medicare tax?

No. Per IRS Publication 15, elective 401(k) deferrals are exempt from income tax withholding but remain subject to Social Security and Medicare tax. Section 125 cafeteria-plan benefits such as health premiums generally are not.