Missouri pushes ballot measure to replace income tax with expanded sales taxes

Missouri voters will decide on Amendment 5, a constitutional proposal that would phase out the state’s individual income tax and allow the General Assembly to replace that revenue with expanded sales and use taxes. The amendment includes “guardrails” intended to keep the transition revenue‑neutral, requiring local governments to lower tax rates if higher sales‑tax collections generate additional funds, while protecting public‑school financing.

Supporters such as state Republicans and Americans for Prosperity Missouri argue the change would modernize tax policy and shift the burden to consumption, while opponents contend it would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers and could divert sales‑tax revenue earmarked for local programs. The debate also touches on Amendment 4, which concerns the ease of amending the state constitution through the initiative petition process.