Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe says scrapping the state’s personal income tax will be his top priority for 2026.
“We will push very hard with House and Senate leadership and House and Senate sponsors to make sure Missourians know that we would love to see a plan come together that’s responsible,” Kehoe told a group of reporters this week.
And a responsible plan, according to Kehoe, means not underfunding critical services.
“Government, police departments, or anything, but also lets (Missourians) keep more of their money in their pocket,” he said. “We think anytime Missourians can keep more of their money, it’s a good day for them.”
Kehoe made eliminating Missouri’s individual income tax one of his top campaign issues when he ran for governor in 2024.
Any proposed elimination of the state’s income tax would likely happen gradually over a few years’ time.
The move is opposed by the Missouri Budget Project, a group that advocates for low-income residents.
In a written statement, the Missouri Budget Project said eliminating the state’s income tax would wipe out “more than 60%” of state revenues and require “massive” cuts to public services.
Kehoe’s plan comes at a time when Missouri’s budget is expected to be extra tight in the next fiscal year due in part to fewer federal dollars.
The 2026 Missouri legislative session is scheduled to begin January 7.
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