Filing your Missouri taxes for the 2019 tax year can be straightforward when you understand the process and have the right guidance. The Missouri Department of Revenue has clear instructions and resources to help you file your taxes correctly, whether you are an individual taxpayer, a small business owner, or someone who earned money in other states. You will be sure to meet all state requirements if you get your papers ready and know what form you need.
People who live in Missouri, rent or own a home, and earn money that is taxable may need to file a state return even if they have already filed a federal return. If you live in another state but work in Missouri, you may still have to pay Missouri taxes on the money you make there. You can also get credits for taxes you pay to other states, which helps you avoid paying taxes twice while still following the rules.
The Department of Revenue can help you with updated instructions, online tools, and in-person services if you are unsure about which form to use or how to fill it out. You can view and find resources on their official website to guide you through each step. Filing on time not only helps you avoid penalties but also ensures any refund owed to you is processed quickly.
Not every taxpayer is required to file a Missouri return, but you must do so if you meet certain criteria. Filing ensures you remain compliant and helps you claim refunds for any Missouri income tax withheld.
Even if you do not meet these requirements, you must file if Missouri tax was withheld from your paycheck. This is the only way to receive a refund for those withholdings.
Your filing requirements for 2019 are determined by your residency status, which affects what income is taxable in Missouri. The state has clear rules for full-year, nonresident, and part-year residents, ensuring that only Missouri-source income or income earned while living in the state is taxed.
Understanding these distinctions ensures you report income correctly and pay only the taxes required under Missouri law.
Missouri sets firm deadlines for filing returns, which vary based on your tax year. Meeting these deadlines is critical to avoid penalties and interest.
Filing late can result in failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. Planning and marking deadlines on your calendar helps you stay compliant.
For 2019, Missouri introduced updates and continued certain benefits that directly affected how you prepare your return.
These changes highlight the importance of reviewing the latest Department of Revenue guidance before you file, especially if your financial situation has changed since your last return.
Selecting the correct Missouri tax form for 2019 ensures your return is processed correctly. The form you choose depends on your filing situation, the complexity of your income sources, and whether you are claiming specific deductions or credits. Using the wrong form may result in delays or the need to file an amended return.
All current and prior year forms are available for download at dor.mo.gov/forms or by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue to request paper copies.
Before beginning your Missouri 2019 tax return, assemble all necessary records to ensure accuracy and avoid delays. This includes income forms such as W-2s, 1099s, self-employment income statements, and Social Security benefit statements. Keep receipts for deductible expenses, which include charitable contributions, medical costs, mortgage interest, and Missouri-specific records such as property tax receipts and rent verification if you are claiming applicable credits.
Missouri’s tax calculation starts with your federal adjusted gross income, so completing your federal return is a critical first step. Once your federal return is finished, you can transfer the necessary figures directly to your Missouri form, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of calculation errors.
Carefully enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your federal return, including your Social Security number, address, and filing status. Begin with your federal adjusted gross income, then apply Missouri additions and subtractions as required. Select either the standard deduction or itemized deductions, using Form MO-A if you choose to itemize with Missouri-specific adjustments.
Use the Missouri 2019 tax tables or rate schedules to determine your tax liability. Apply eligible credits, such as the property tax credit, the resident credit for taxes paid to other states, or any miscellaneous credits from Form MO-TC. These credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe and can sometimes result in a refund.
After applying all credits and subtracting any withholding or estimated tax payments, determine whether you have a balance due or are owed a refund. If you owe, arrange payment using one of Missouri’s accepted methods to avoid penalties and interest. To expedite the processing of your refund, think about utilizing direct deposit.
Before submitting your return, review every section for accuracy. Confirm that all forms and schedules are attached, signatures are in place, and the correct mailing address is used if filing by paper. Keep copies of your return and all supporting documentation for at least three years if the Department of Revenue requests verification.
Electronic filing is faster and more accurate when submitting your 2019 Missouri tax return. It allows you to receive a direct deposit refund in as little as 2–3 weeks and provides immediate confirmation of receipt. If your federal adjusted gross income is $32,000 or less, you may qualify to e-file for free through approved vendors.
Paper filing requires printing and mailing your completed return to the Department of Revenue. Processing times are longer, often taking 6–8 weeks, and you will not receive immediate confirmation that your return was received. Use the correct mailing address based on whether you owe taxes or expect a refund.
The Missouri Department of Revenue accepts online payments through its secure payment portal. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check (ACH). Convenience fees may apply for card payments. Online payments are processed immediately, providing confirmation and reducing the risk of late payment penalties.
You can mail a check or money order payable to “Missouri Department of Revenue,” including your Social Security number and the tax year on the memo line. If paying without filing a return, include Form MO-1040V with your payment. Be sure to mail it to the correct address to ensure timely processing.
Individuals with income not subject to withholding, such as self-employment earnings, may need to make quarterly estimated payments using Form MO-1040ES. These payments help you avoid underpayment penalties and should be made by the due dates specified by the Missouri Department of Revenue.
The Department of Revenue offers the Return Inquiry System, which allows you to track your refund or verify your balance due. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and your return's refund amount or balance. Online results are available 24/7.
You can call 573-751-3505 to access Missouri’s automated refund and balance inquiry system anytime. This service provides updates similar to those offered by the online system and is helpful if you prefer not to use a computer.
The Missouri Property Tax Credit is designed to help particular residents offset part of the real estate taxes or rent they have paid.
Your maximum household income and whether you own or rent your home determine how much credit you can receive.
To claim the credit, you must provide proof of residency, payment of property tax, or rent verification.
If you miss the original deadline, file your Missouri return as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for late filing, but your refund will not be issued until you file. Payments made late will accrue interest until paid.
If your 2019 federal adjusted gross income is $32,000 or less, you may qualify for Missouri's Free File program. This service allows you to e-file your federal and Missouri returns at no cost through approved vendors. Filing electronically also speeds up processing and allows direct deposit for faster refunds.
Many taxpayers overlook the property tax credit, military pension exemptions, Social Security exemptions, and deductions for First-Time Home Buyer account contributions. Missouri also offers specific credits for charitable donations and investments. Reviewing the Missouri Department of Revenue’s updated credit list can help ensure you claim all benefits you are entitled to.
Missouri automatically grants the same filing extension if you have a federal extension. However, you must still pay any Missouri taxes owed by the original due date to avoid interest and penalties. If you anticipate owing taxes, submit Form MO-60 along with your payment. Extensions apply to filing, not to paying taxes.
Part-year residents file as Missouri residents for the portion of the year they lived in the state, reporting all income earned during that time. For the remainder of the year, they report only Missouri-source income. They may also need to file returns in other states and claim a resident credit for taxes paid elsewhere.
A Missouri individual income tax return reports your taxable income, deductions, and credits for the year. It includes personal details, income from all sources, Missouri-specific adjustments, and applicable tax credits. Filing ensures you meet state requirements, pay any taxes owed, or claim refunds due. Always review instructions to complete your return accurately.
You can track your refund using the Missouri Return Inquiry System online at dor.mo.gov/returnstatus. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. E-filed returns are typically processed in 2–3 weeks, while paper returns take 6–8 weeks. Errors or missing information may cause additional delays.