Survey of Missouri Businesses Filing Sales and Use Tax Returns

This survey will take less than 3 minutes to complete.

The answers may influence the ease of business operations and the ability of businesses to retain cash in their businesses longer.

The Department of Revenue is exploring efficiencies that can be realized in the monthly filing process for Sales Tax Revenues.   Currently, roughly half of all businesses filing Sales Tax Revenue in the State of Missouri file paper-based returns.  Of the paper- based returns, roughly 50% require direct editing processes due to error (in contrast to 5% of electronic returns). 

To make the filing process more efficient and less time-consuming for both businesses and the State, the Department is exploring a policy change that would require electronic filing--with a waiver for lack of internet access--for businesses that file for 3 or more locations when submitting their sales or use tax.

Additionally, the Department is exploring ways to make doing business in Missouri easier.  One area that has been identified is the lack of consistent date for Sales Tax filing.  To remedy this, the Department is exploring the viability of pushing back the filing date to the last working date of the month for all 12 months in the calendar year.  This change would enable businesses to retain capital in their operations longer, while also providing consistency to operations.
 
As an added bonus, this consistent filing date will assist local governments in planning and budgeting efforts as Sales Tax Revenues would be received on a more consistent basis throughout the year.