Missouri voters will decide the fate of four constitutional amendments during the upcoming primary election on Aug. 4, including one to eliminate the state’s individual income tax. 

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed proclamations Friday placing Amendment 5 targeting the individual income tax for elimination based on revenue growth. The tax overhaul requires a reduction in property taxes and other local taxes as an offset, all while preserving funding for public schools. 

Kehoe explained in a release the decision to put this major issue on the primary ballot rather than the November general election ballot gives lawmakers crucial lead time to handle the transition. 

“Modernizing Missouri’s outdated tax code, specifically, will be a momentous task for the Missouri General Assembly, and placing the measure to phase out Missouri’s income tax on the August ballot gives lawmakers additional time to prepare for the next phase of implementation. As Missourians continue supporting policies that make our state more competitive, we want to ensure the Legislature is positioned to act responsibly following the direction of the voters.” Kehoe said. 

Other amendments on the August ballot in Missouri

Amendment 1 continues a 0.1% sales and use tax for 10 years to fund soil conservation, water conservation, state parks and historic sites. 

Amendment 2 would require all charter counties, including Jackson County, to elect a county assessor. The elected assessors must also comply with training requirements established by state law. 

Amendment 4 changes the current rules for altering the state constitution. It requires a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve constitutional initiative petitions rather than a simple statewide majority. It also ensures voters receive the full text of the initiative petitions right with their ballot.