Filing your Missouri state income tax return for the 2017 tax year is essential for residents, part-year residents, and nonresident individuals who earned income there. This guide explains how to file your Missouri tax return for 2017 using step-by-step instructions based on official Missouri Department of Revenue requirements. Whether you operate a business, work for wages, or have other taxable income, understanding the process helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
Completing your income tax return correctly offers several benefits. Most people who follow the official instructions can reduce their tax liability, claim eligible deductions, and secure any refund owed to them. Filing on time also helps avoid penalties, interest charges, and other issues arising when a return is incomplete or late. This guide provides clear tax information on required forms, due dates, and filing methods, helping you confidently submit your return.
Both electronic and paper filing options are available for the 2017 Missouri tax year, each with specific requirements. In the following sections, you will learn which forms to use, how to gather the necessary documentation, and the rules for claiming deductions, exemptions, and credits. By reviewing these details before you begin, you can prepare a complete and accurate return, reduce the chance of errors, and ensure you meet Missouri’s taxation and filing rules.
For the 2017 tax year, you must file a tax return for Missouri if you meet specific requirements based on your residency status and income.
For Missouri residents:
For nonresident individuals:
Important exception: Even if you do not meet these income thresholds, you must file if you had Missouri tax withheld and want to claim a refund.
Understanding the filing schedule is essential to avoid penalties and interest charges on any amount you owe.
Several updates were introduced for the 2017 tax year that could affect your income tax return:
Choosing the correct form is critical when you file an income tax return for the 2017 Missouri tax year. The proper form depends on your income sources, deductions, and special filing situations. Selecting the appropriate documents helps ensure that all income is reported accurately and that you claim any credits or exemptions you are entitled to.
Form MO-1040 (Long Form)
Any person required to file can use this comprehensive option. You must use the long form if you have complex filing needs, such as claiming multiple tax credits, reporting pension or real property income, or making specific Missouri adjustments. It is also required if you and your spouse file combined returns with separate income calculations.
Form MO-1040P (Short Form)
This version is for simpler situations. It is available to most people with income earned entirely in Missouri, with standard deductions and no unusual credits. If you are a dependent filing your return, you may still be eligible to use this form if your situation is straightforward.
Form MO-1040A (Single/Married One Income)
This is the simplest form and is generally intended for single filers or married couples with one income earner. It is often the best choice for taxpayers with only wages, no sales tax refund claims, and no adjustments apart from the standard deduction.
When you prepare to file, ensure that your return includes all required attachments and that your refund can be deposited directly into your bank account if you choose electronic filing. If you file electronically, you can use a computer, tablet, or other device. Paper returns should be mailed to the correct address based on whether you owe tax or expect a refund. Every filer is subject to Missouri’s rules for accuracy and timeliness, and failing to comply may result in penalties or delays.
Filing your Missouri tax return for the 2017 tax year involves more than simply entering numbers on a form. Following these steps ensures that your tax information is accurate, that you claim all deductions and credits, and that you meet all deadlines.
Before starting your return, collect all necessary tax information to work without interruptions. This preparation step saves time and reduces errors. You will generally need:
Having these documents ready will make the filing process smoother and help you ensure all income is reported correctly.
Missouri begins its tax calculation with your federal adjusted gross income (AGI). You will transfer this amount from your federal return to your Missouri form:
If you are married and filing a combined return, Missouri requires you and your spouse to split income for state tax purposes. The split is done using a worksheet in the instructions and can often lower your overall tax by applying the tax brackets to each filer’s income separately.
Missouri adjusts your federal income to reflect state-specific tax rules. These can either increase or decrease your taxable income.
Common additions include:
Common subtractions include:
Completing Form MO-A will ensure these amounts are accurately calculated.
You can claim the standard or itemized deductions for the 2017 tax year.
Standard deduction amounts:
Additional amounts apply if you or your spouse is 65 or older or blind. If you itemize, start with your federal itemized deductions and adjust for Missouri rules. This is where sales tax may come into play. Suppose you itemize instead of claiming state income taxes. In that case, you may deduct state and local sales taxes on major purchases, such as vehicles or home improvements, if allowed under federal guidelines.
Exemptions reduce your taxable income. For 2017, Missouri allowed:
Special exemptions may apply for low-income households, certain retirees, or taxpayers with qualifying disabilities. Review the rules carefully to ensure you claim every eligible exemption.
Use Missouri’s tax tables or the tax computation worksheet to determine your state tax based on your taxable income. Applying the correct rates for your filing status ensures accuracy. Errors in this step can delay refunds or cause underpayment notices.
Apply any credits you qualify for, such as the property tax credit or credits for taxes paid to another state. Enter payments made during the year, including amounts withheld from wages or estimated tax payments. Remember that all payments are due by the original date, even if you file for an extension.
After applying credits and payments, compare your total tax to what you have already paid.
Direct deposit is faster, while mailed checks may take longer to process. Using an electronic payment method can help you meet the deadline more easily.
Electronic filing is the fastest and most accurate way to submit your Missouri return for the 2017 tax year. Electronic filing offers benefits such as faster refunds through direct deposit, immediate confirmation of your return's receipt, and fewer calculation errors. You can file through approved software providers listed on the Missouri Department of Revenue E-file page. Many providers offer free filing for qualifying taxpayers.
Paper filing is available for those who prefer traditional methods or cannot access e-filing tools. When filing by paper, print clearly in black ink, sign and date the return, and include all required attachments. Use the correct mailing address based on whether you expect a refund or owe tax. The official instructions for the 2017 tax year provide mailing addresses.
Missouri offers several ways to pay any balance due for the 2017 tax year:
Payments must be received by the original due date, even if you filed for an extension. Late payment may result in a 5% penalty on the unpaid amount. Late filing can add a penalty of 5% per month, up to a maximum of 25%, plus interest charges on any unpaid balance.
If you cannot pay in full, you may request an installment agreement through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Approval is subject to a review of your financial situation, and interest will continue to accrue until the balance is paid.
The Missouri Department of Revenue offers several ways to check the status of your refund or outstanding balance for the 2017 tax year. This service is available to anyone who has filed a return, whether for individual income or business taxation purposes.
You can use the Missouri Return Tracker to check your status online. Access requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund or balance due amount. This tool works on most internet-enabled devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Processing times vary depending on the filing method. Electronic returns are usually processed within two to three weeks, while paper returns may take six to eight weeks. Factors such as missing documents, incorrect calculations, or high-volume periods during tax season can extend processing times.
Before sending your 2017 Missouri tax return, review this detailed checklist. A careful review helps you avoid common mistakes, meet all state requirements, and reduce the risk of delays or penalties.
Return Preparation
Required Attachments
Payment and Submission
Recordkeeping
Completing this checklist before submitting your return helps ensure your filing is accurate, complete, and in compliance with Missouri’s rules for the 2017 tax year.
If you missed the original deadline, file at your earliest convenience to minimize penalties and interest. Late filing may incur a monthly penalty of up to 5%, and unpaid balances accrue interest. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, filing promptly prevents additional late filing penalties from accumulating. Payment arrangements may be available through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Many taxpayers can e-file for free if they meet income or age requirements set by Missouri’s approved software providers. The free file option often includes both federal and state returns. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue’s list of participating providers to confirm eligibility. Using e-file can speed up refund processing, reduce errors, and provide immediate confirmation of receipt.
Commonly missed deductions include the military income deduction for active duty service members, pension exemptions for qualifying retirees, contributions to Missouri 529 college savings plans, and certain long-term care insurance premiums. Taxpayers who itemize may overlook deductible property taxes and allowable sales taxes on major purchases. Reviewing Missouri’s official instructions can help identify all deductions you are eligible to claim.
If you need more time to file, submit Form MO-60 by the original due date. This grants additional time to submit paperwork but does not extend your payment deadline. If you already have a federal extension, attach a copy to your Missouri return. All taxes owed must be paid by the original due date to avoid late payment penalties and interest charges.
Yes, part-year residents can file a combined return, but they must carefully calculate Missouri-source income. This typically involves using Form MO-NRI to determine the percentage of income earned in Missouri. In some cases, filing as a full-year resident with a credit for taxes paid to another state may be more beneficial. Compare both methods to determine which option lowers your total tax liability.
Keep your tax return and all supporting documentation for at least three years from the original filing date. This includes W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, and proof of payment. Retain records for seven years if you claim a loss from worthless securities or a faulty debt deduction. Digital copies stored securely can be valid records if the originals are lost or damaged.
Read the notice carefully to understand the reason and any action required. Respond promptly by the stated deadline, providing any requested documentation. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue if you need clarification. Ignoring notices can lead to additional penalties, interest, or enforcement actions. Keep a copy of all correspondence and proof of delivery for your records in case of future disputes or follow-ups.
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