Judge Rules Missouri Income Tax Plan Stays on Ballot

Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh ruled on June 1 and 2 that Amendment 5 will remain on the August 4 primary ballot. The proposal, a priority for Governor Mike Kehoe, seeks to eliminate Missouri's individual income tax by allowing the legislature to expand or increase sales and use taxes. If approved, lawmakers would have five years to restructure taxation, which could potentially raise the sales tax rate from 3 percent to as high as 11.5 percent.

Limbaugh rejected arguments from opponents that the measure violated constitutional requirements regarding single-subject amendments or contained misleading ballot language. He stated the plan's central purpose was unmistakable and the summary was fair. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway praised the ruling as a victory for voters.

Opponents, represented by attorney Chuck Hatfield, filed an immediate appeal to the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. Hatfield argued the measure is deceptive and represents the largest sales tax expansion in state history. The legal challenge must be resolved by June 9 to meet the deadline for finalizing the ballot. The measure has seen nearly $2 million in support from the non-profit Missouri Promise, while facing opposition from groups including Missourians for Fair Taxation.