07/19/2026
We’ve seen this graphic making the rounds, and while it looks convincing, it leaves out some very important facts.
Yes, the math works. If you pay about $729 in state income tax today, you’d have to spend around $8,500 on services taxed at 8.5% to pay that same amount in sales tax.
But that’s not what Amendment 5 says.
Amendment 5 does not say only those services will be taxed. It does not guarantee housing, healthcare, or other categories will always be exempt. And it does not explain how Missouri will replace the roughly $8.5 billion in annual income tax revenue that would eventually disappear.
Those decisions would be left to future legislators.
That’s the part supporters keep glossing over. This graphic assumes only a limited number of currently untaxed services would be taxed. But if Missouri is going to replace billions of dollars in lost revenue, it’s reasonable to ask whether a much broader range of goods and services would eventually be taxed or taxed at higher rates. The amendment doesn’t answer that question.
It also says nothing about cutting government spending. Supporters often suggest the state can simply spend less, but that isn’t part of Amendment 5. There is no plan in the amendment outlining what programs would be cut, how much would be cut, or how essential services would continue to be funded.
This isn’t about being for or against lower taxes. Everyone would like to pay less in taxes.
It’s about voting on a constitutional amendment that creates a framework without telling Missourians exactly how it will work.
Before changing the way Missouri funds schools, roads, public safety, and other essential services, we think it’s reasonable to ask one simple question:
What’s the actual plan?
So far, we haven’t seen one.
