Missouri legislature turns down statewide use tax on online purchases

It’s happened twice. Voters in Joplin have turned down a proposed use tax for purchases made online.

Now, a bill containing a statewide use tax has gone down in flames in the Missouri Legislature.

Last summer, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling gave states authority to tax out-of-state sellers. Most states immediately passed laws to allow for such collection. As of the start of this year, 43 states had passed such laws.

But the idea that failed in the 2020 legislative session may not be totally dead.

It’s possible it could rise from the ashes later this year if a special legislative session is called by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.