Missouri Realtors Donate $1.9 Million to Block Amendment 5 Tax Change

The Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR) contributed $1.9 million to the campaign opposing Amendment 5, a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate Missouri’s state income tax and replace it with higher sales taxes. Critics say the amendment could raise the state sales tax from the current 3 % to as much as 11.5 % to cover lost revenue, and that its language is vague and bypasses the 1980 Hancock Amendment, which requires voter approval for certain tax increases.

Amendment 5 is slated for the August 2026 ballot. MAR spokesman Scott Charton emphasized that the donation reflects the organization’s 26,000 members who aim to protect taxpayers from what they describe as a “deceptive” tax plan, while Missourians for Fair Taxation, the group receiving the donation, warned voters that the amendment’s revenue triggers are unspecified and could increase tax burdens without clear limits.