Missouri Estate Tax: Everything You Need to Know

Missouri does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax in 2026, and estates generally do not need to file a Missouri estate tax return for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2005. However, Missouri residents with sufficiently large estates can still be subject to the federal estate tax. For people who die in 2026, the federal basic exclusion amount is $15 million, although prior taxable gifts and other factors can affect the calculation.

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Missouri Estate Tax at a Glance

Missouri does not impose its own estate or inheritance tax in 2026, but federal estate and gift tax rules can still apply.

Here are the key thresholds and rules Missouri residents may need to know:

Tax Rule	Missouri in 2026
Missouri estate tax	None currently imposed
Missouri inheritance tax	None
Missouri estate tax return required?	No for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2005
2026 federal estate tax basic exclusion	$15 million per individual
Top federal estate tax rate	40%
2026 federal annual gift tax exclusion	$19,000 per recipient
Federal estate tax portability	A surviving spouse may be able to use a deceased spouse’s unused exclusion if the required portability election is made

This means most Missouri estates will not owe either state or federal estate tax. However, estates large enough to exceed the federal exclusion may still face federal estate tax, and lifetime taxable gifts can also affect how much of the federal exclusion remains available at death.

Married couples should also note that the ability to use a deceased spouse’s unused federal exclusion is not automatic and generally depends on making a valid portability election.

Missouri Estate Tax

Missouri is one of the 38 states in the nation that does not levy its own estate tax.

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What Is the Estate Tax?

Sometimes referred to as the “death tax,” the estate tax applies to the estate of someone who has recently died. The tax is levied before the money and assets in the estate are passed on to the person’s legally designated heirs. The tax only applies to estates reaching a certain threshold. The government levying the tax determines the threshold.

The inheritance tax and the estate tax are not the same. States levy the inheritance tax on assets after they have already been passed on to a person’s heirs.

Missouri Inheritance and Gift Tax

A map of the United States with the state of Missouri highlighted.

Missouri also does not have an inheritance tax. There is a chance, though, that you may owe inheritance taxes to another state. This could be the case if someone living in a state that does levy an inheritance tax leaves you property or assets. Pennsylvania, for instance, has an inheritance tax that applies to all property owned by its residents, even if the inheritor of that property lives in another state. If you inherit something from someone living in a different state, make sure to check local laws so you don’t accidentally miss a tax payment.

Missouri has no gift tax. The federal gift tax has an $19,000 exemption per gift recipient for 2026. So if you gift more than $19,000 to any one person this year, you must report the gift on your tax return. The amount you give over $19,000 counts against your $15 million gift tax exemption for 2026. It also lowers your federal gift tax exemption.

Federal Estate Tax

Missouri does not have an estate tax, but the federal government will levy an estate tax if your estate is worth enough. The exemption is $15 million for deaths in 2026. The exemption for the federal estate tax has portability. This means that a married couple can, with the proper legal steps, protect up to $30 million of their estate when they both die, as of 2026.

An estate exceeding the exemption is subject to a progressive estate tax. The top rate is 40%.

Here is an example: Let’s say your estate is worth $19 million. First, subtract the $15 million exemption, leaving you with a $4 million taxable estate. That places you in the top tax bracket. You’ll owe a $345,800 base payment on the first $1 million and a 40% payment on the remaining $3 million, which comes to $1.20 million. Add that to the base payment and you are left with a total estate tax bill of $1,545,800.

Federal Estate Tax Rates

Taxable Estate*	Base Taxes Paid	Marginal Rate	Rate Threshold**
$1 – $10,000	$0	18%	$1
$10,000 – $20,000	$1,800	20%	$10,000
$20,000 – $40,000	$3,800	22%	$20,000
$40,000 – $60,000	$8,200	24%	$40,000
$60,000 – $80,000	$13,000	26%	$60,000
$80,000 – $100,000	$18,200	28%	$80,000
$100,000 – $150,000	$23,800	30%	$100,000
$150,000 – $250,000	$38,800	32%	$150,000
$250,000 – $500,000	$70,800	34%	$250,000
$500,000 – $750,000	$155,800	37%	$500,000
$750,000 – $1 million	$248,300	39%	$750,000
Over $1 million	$345,800	40%	$1 million

*The taxable estate is the total above the 2026 federal exemption of $15 million.
**The rate threshold is the point at which the marginal estate tax rate kicks in.

Overall Missouri Tax Picture

Missouri is moderately-tax friendly for retirees. As of 2024, the state no longer taxes Social Security. It fully taxes withdrawals from retirement accounts like 401(k) plans and IRAs, but partially taxes income from private pensions. Missouri has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 4.7%.

Missouri’s property tax rates fall below the national average. The average effective rate is 0.79%.

Bottom Line

Missouri does not currently impose an estate tax, inheritance tax or separate state gift tax. However, federal estate and gift tax rules can still apply. For people who die in 2026, the federal basic estate tax exclusion is $15 million, while the federal annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per recipient. Married couples may also be able to use federal portability rules to preserve a deceased spouse’s unused exclusion when the required election is made

Estate Planning Tips

Estate planning, like all types of financial planning, can be complex. It might be something a financial advisor can help with. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
While you can certainly try to plan your estate on your own, there are some very serious risks to DIY estate planning. Strongly consider getting help from an advisor or a lawyer, especially if your estate is complicated.