Filing your Missouri sales tax return is simple with the state’s online system. You can file and pay directly through MyTax Missouri, provided your business is registered to collect and remit sales tax.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of filing online so you can submit returns on time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with Missouri’s sales tax rules.
What You Need Before Filing
Before filing your sales tax return, you must prepare specific records to ensure your report is accurate. Here are the standard documents required to file a sales tax return in Missouri:
- Missouri Taxpayer Account Number (Sales Tax License) – You’re required to provide your Missouri sales and use tax account number, officially known as the Missouri Tax Identification Number (MOID). Once the DOR approves your registration, you will receive this documentation via a welcome letter. Additionally, the DOR will send you a copy of your Missouri Sales Tax License via mail.
- My Tax Missouri Log-in Details – The primary method for online filing is through the DOR’s My Tax Account portal. It is necessary to have the correct username and password to access the account and begin the filing process. You can also file as a “guest” user if you have your MOID and the Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Total Sales – Gather your total revenue during the filing period. This includes all sales, whether they’re taxable or not. Even if you currently have no sales records, you’re still required to file a return.
- Taxable Sales – Compile the total taxable sales your business made within the filing period.
- Taxable Purchases – Verify the total amount of taxable purchases your business spent within the filing period. Businesses require the seller to self-report and remit “use tax” on purchases for which the seller did not collect the appropriate sales tax. This commonly applies to taxable items purchased from out-of-state vendors or online, where sales tax is not charged. You must report this on the sales and use tax return (Form 53-1) or, if only registered for use tax, on a separate Vendor’s Use Tax (Form 53-V) or Consumer’s Use Tax (Form 53-C) return.
- Local Sales Tax Report – Missouri requires businesses to file a local sales tax report as well. This means you must list all your sales in each city, county, or other local jurisdiction in Missouri.
- Bank Account and Routing Number – To pay any taxes due, businesses will need to have their bank account and routing number ready to facilitate an electronic payment via ACH direct debit from a checking or savings account.
- Filing Frequency Schedule – The state assigns a specific due date for every registered business. To find out your designated schedule, you can check your Missouri Sales Tax Permit document or the official correspondence received from the DOR following registration.
Step-by-Step: How to File Missouri Sales Tax Online
Electronic filing through MyTax Missouri is the Department of Revenue’s preferred method, offering the fastest processing times. The online interface guides the taxpayer through the required data fields, ensuring logical calculation of the liability. Step 1. Go to the MyTax Missouri website. Step 2. Enter your Account Credentials: Log in using your username and password. Check your shared email/phone number and input OTP, when applicable. Step 3. Prepare your Ecommerce Sales Tax Data (e.g., Taxes Report from Shopify). Step 4. Select Online Transactions and click File a Form.
Step 5. Select appropriate options from the drop-down menu, then click Next to continue.
Step 6. Enter the sales amount for each jurisdiction as required, then click Calculate.
Step 7. After reviewing the calculated figures, click Proceed to Summary.
Step 8. Review all balances and verify that the information is accurate, then click Next.
Step 9. Confirm that you’re ready to submit the return by clicking Yes Submit Return.
Step 10. Select Make a Payment Now to proceed with the payment process.
Step 11. Enter the amount to be paid and select the appropriate payment method, then click Next.
Step 12. Enter your bank account information as requested.
Step 13. Schedule your payment date, then click Submit.
Step 14. Select the Confirm button to finalize and complete the transaction.
Step 15. Save the confirmation in your preferred location for recordkeeping purposes. Keeping online records using Google Drive is a common option.
Helpful tip: If the filing process is interrupted by internet issues, website downtime, or other disruptions. You can always click on “Save and Submit Later” to avoid losing your progress.
Due Dates
Missouri’s due dates and filing frequency depend on the total amount of state sales tax (4.225%) you collected during the period, not the combined state and local rate.
If a standard due date falls on a weekend or a state or federal holiday, the system automatically moves the deadline to the next business day.| FREQUENCY | REQUIREMENT | REPORTING PERIOD | DUE DATE |
| Monthly | $500 or more in state tax collected per month | Monthly | 20th day of the month following the reporting period |
| Quarterly | Less than $500 in state tax collected per month, but $200 or more per quarter |
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| Annual | Less than $200 in state tax collected per quarter | January 1 – December 31 | January 31 of the following year |
Timely Filing Discount
In Missouri, the state allows a discount on timely reported sales tax when you file the return and pay the tax due on or before the required date. The DOR also considers your return postmarked if you send it on or before the required due date. Missouri grants a 2% timely payment allowance (vendor’s compensation), calculated on the total amount of tax due. You must subtract this amount from your gross liability before you remit the payment. If a metered postmark differs from the U.S. Postal Service postmark, the U.S. Postal Service postmark serves as the official evidence of timely filing.Filing Amended Returns
If a business discovers an error or omission on a previously filed sales tax return, it must file an amended return to correct the inaccurate figures for gross receipts, taxable sales, exemptions, or the complex local tax breakdown. You don’t need a special form to file an amended return. You can use a copy of your original return or a new blank form (Form 53-1 or 53-V). Mark the return as amended by checking the “Amended Return” box and writing “AMENDED RETURN” clearly at the top of the form. Keep in mind that you cannot file negative sales tax returns. If your credits exceed the tax you collected, file an amended return for the period in which you reported the original sales and attach a separate claim form, such as the Seller’s Claim for Sales or Use Tax Refund or Credit (Form 472S), to request a refund or credit. You need to file an amended return in situations such as:- The original return contained incorrect amounts and needs correction.
- You received an exemption certificate after filing the return and need to make adjustments.
- You filed the wrong type of return, such as reporting use tax instead of sales tax.
Filing Zero Returns in Missouri
Missouri requires filing zero returns. Once a business is registered, you are required to file a return after each assigned collection period, regardless of whether any sales tax was collected or if there were no sales/purchases. Failure to file a return, even a zero return, can result in estimated assessments, revocation of your sales tax license, and property liens.Other Filing Methods in Missouri
If you’re having difficulties filing your Missouri sales tax return online, you can try other options.- File with TaxHero – Let expert accountants in TaxHero prepare your sales tax returns for you. We’ll take everything off your hands so that you can spend your time more efficiently managing your business.
- File by Mail (Form 53-1) – Businesses can file a paper copy of the Missouri Sales Tax Return (Form 53-1). While forms can be downloaded from the DOR website, paper submissions typically result in a significant delay in processing time compared to electronic filing. Paper returns, including zero returns, should be mailed to: Missouri Department of Revenue Taxation Division P.O. Box 840 Jefferson City, MO 65105-0840