To offset the additional 2.5 cents-per-gallon gasoline tax signed into law last year, Missourians will soon be able to file for a refund of the increased expense – a vital lifeline for drivers as gas prices have hit a 14-year high.
The gasoline tax increase, Missouri’s first in 25 years, went into effect last October and brought the state’s total fuel tax to 19.5 cents a gallon. The tax will increase gradually each fiscal year until July 2025, when it will be 29.5 cents a gallon.
According to the Department of Revenue, Missourians may be eligible for refunds of the tax increase for purchases after October 1, 2021. However, drivers will not be able to apply for a refund until July 1, 2022. The window for applying for a refund this year is scheduled to close on Sept. 30, 2022.
If a driver plans to submit an application for a return, the claim must be filed by the customer who made the fuel purchases, according to the DOR. Missourians also must save each receipt for purchases of gasoline in order to receive a refund.
According to the legislation, those who buy gas in Missouri for vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds and use their vehicle on the highway will be able to submit a claim for a refund. Drivers will be allowed to request a refund at least once a year for reimbursement of that year’s increase.
The Department of Revenue is requesting the following from anyone looking to file a gas tax claim:
- Vehicle identification number for the vehicle that was filled with fuel.
- Name and address of buyer.
- Name and address of seller.
- Date of sale.
- Number of gallons of gas purchased.
- Number of gallons purchased and charged as separate items.
The DOR is developing an online filing system expected to be available on the department website by July 1, 2022.
Apple customers can already download the NoMOGasTax application on their phones now for $4.99, on which users are able to upload their gas receipts and keep track of purchases. A spokesperson for the app told The Heartlander it will be available to Android users before the refund application window opens on July 1, 2022.
