St. Louis, MO Payroll Tax Registration

Jan 16, 2026

If you are an employer in St. Louis, Missouri, it is important to be aware of the local payroll tax requirements for businesses operating in the city. These requirements may include registering your business with the city and withholding a certain percentage of your employees' wages for local taxes.

How to Register for Payroll Tax in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri Local Earnings Tax Withholding and Payroll Expense Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, PLLC

Every employer with employees living or working in the City of St. Louis must withhold St. Louis City earnings tax on their gross earnings. In addition, city-resident employers must also withhold earnings taxes on all employees regardless of work location. Businesses in St. Louis must open an earnings tax account before operating in St. Louis. Unless exempted, only companies with employees working in the City of St. Louis must pay Payroll Expense tax.

  1. Complete an Application for Earnings Tax Account

    Complete a City of St. Louis Application for Earnings Tax Account form.

  2. File Your Application for Earnings Tax Account

    File your completed Application for Earnings Tax Account form with the St. Louis Earnings Tax Department by email.

Documents and Resources

St. Louis, MO Payroll Registration Agencies

Use Mosey to register for payroll accounts in St. Louis.

Register for payroll taxes with the state of Missouri

How to register your business in more Missouri cities

See all

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