Tax Planning for Physicians in Columbia, MO (2026)
Physicians in Columbia pay federal tax at up to 37% plus Missouri income tax (a top rate of 4.7%). Here is how the 2026 rules apply to doctors, dentists and practice owners in Columbia, MO.
2026 at a glance for Columbia, MO physicians
| Missouri income tax | Top rate of 4.7% (2026) |
|---|---|
| State tax on $400,000 of state taxable income | $18,619 single / $18,619 married filing jointly |
| State tax on $1,000,000 (married filing jointly) | $46,819 |
| City income tax | See Missouri local taxes below |
| Pass-through entity tax | Available (elective) |
| Top federal rate | 37% (from $640,600 single / $768,700 joint) |
State tax figures apply Missouri's 2026 brackets to state taxable income and ignore credits, deductions and local taxes.
Local taxes in Columbia
Kansas City and St. Louis each levy a 1% earnings tax on residents and on nonresidents who work in the city.
We have not identified a separate Columbia income tax beyond the Missouri rules above; confirm with the city if your practice or employer is located there.
State rules that apply in Columbia
Yes. The state has an elective pass-through entity tax (PTET) that partnerships and S corporations can use to deduct state income tax at the entity level.
- Missouri's top rate is 4.7%, but the 1% earnings tax in Kansas City and St. Louis applies to wages and practice net profits.
- Physicians on the Kansas or Illinois side of the metro areas still pay the city earnings tax on work performed in Kansas City or St. Louis.
Where the savings usually come from
For most Columbia physicians, federal planning drives the largest results: W-2 strategies such as 401(k)/403(b), 457(b) and the backdoor Roth; 1099 and locum planning; entity and cash balance plan design for practice owners; and real estate strategies for physicians with time to participate.
More physician tax guides
- Other Missouri cities: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield.
- State rules: Missouri physician tax guide and all 50 state guides.
- By specialty: Neurosurgeons, Pain Management Physicians, Orthopedic Surgeons, Emergency Physicians and every specialty.
- Core strategy: tax planning for physicians, tax planning for medical practice owners, advanced strategies for high-income physicians and S corporation tax planning for physicians, plus the physician tax glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Does Columbia have a city income tax?
Columbia does not have its own income tax that we have identified, but Kansas City and St. Louis each levy a 1% earnings tax on residents and on nonresidents who work in the city.
What state income tax do physicians in Columbia pay?
Missouri has a top rate of 4.7% for 2026. On $400,000 of state taxable income, the 2026 brackets produce about $18,619 for a married couple filing jointly, before credits.
Can GenWealth 360 work with physicians in Columbia?
Yes. GenWealth 360 works with physicians, dentists and practice owners nationwide, including Columbia, through virtual meetings. Our office is in Long Beach, California.
Get a tax plan built for your situation
GenWealth 360 builds proactive, tax-first plans for physicians, dentists and medical practice owners in all 50 states. Start with a conversation about your income, entity and goals.
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Sources
This article is for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal or investment advice. Tax law changes often and its application depends on your facts. Figures reflect 2026 rules as published by the sources listed above. Consult a qualified professional before acting. See our editorial policy.