Springfield Sales Tax
Missouri. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Missouri
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Missouri, including Springfield.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Reduced rate | 1.225% reduced state rate |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Missouri sales tax holiday
At 8.10% combined rate, a $500 clothing purchase normally costs $40.50in tax. On the tax-free weekend (within caps), that's $0.00.
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.81 | $10.81 |
| $50 | $4.05 | $54.05 |
| $100 | $8.10 | $108.10 |
| $250 | $20.25 | $270.25 |
| $500 | $40.50 | $540.50 |
| $1,000 | $81.00 | $1081.00 |
| $5,000 | $405.00 | $5405.00 |
| $10,000 | $810.00 | $10810.00 |
Border shopping — neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighboring state with lower sales tax can save real money. Top metro sales tax in each contiguous neighbor of Missouri.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Springfield | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (current) | Springfield | 8.10% | — | — |
| Kentucky | Louisville | 6.00% | -2.10% | $21.00 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 7.00% | -1.10% | $11.00 |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 7.00% | -1.10% | $11.00 |
| Illinois | Naperville | 7.50% | -0.60% | $6.00 |
| Kansas | Wichita | 7.50% | -0.60% | $6.00 |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa | 8.52% | +0.42% | — |
| Arkansas | Jonesboro | 8.75% | +0.65% | — |
| Tennessee | Nashville | 9.25% | +1.15% | — |
Use tax (state where you live) may still apply on out-of-state purchases for items shipped or for registered goods like vehicles. For everyday retail walked across the border, savings are realized at point of sale.
Other cities in Missouri
Columbia has the lowest combined rate in our Missouri coverage at 7.95% — that's 0.15% below Springfield ($1.50 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Springfield?
- Springfield, Missouri charges a combined sales tax of 8.10%. That's 4.23% state tax plus 3.88% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Springfield?
- Missouri applies a reduced rate to groceries. 1.225% reduced state rate
- Is clothing taxed in Springfield?
- Yes — Missouri taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 8.10%. Look for the Back-to-School Holiday (First weekend of August) when clothing < $100, computers < $1,500, supplies < $50 are tax-free.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Springfield?
- Three levers: (1) the Back-to-School Holiday in First weekend of August, (2) buy exempt categories (prescription drugs), (3) drive across the border if a nearby state has a lower rate.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local sales tax rates change frequently and may include special district levies not modeled here. Verify with the retailer or local taxing authority for large purchases. Category exemption rules and tax holidays change by year — check the Missouri Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Missouri state rate →
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