I already pay Sales Tax on purchases, is this the same thing?

No. A sales tax is imposed based on the location of the sellerwhile a use tax applies to purchases made from out-of-state vendors and shipped to Joplin for use. 

When purchases are made at retail stores in Missouri, sales tax is collected at that location. On the other hand, purchases from out-of-state vendors that are shipped to Joplin are subject to a use tax.  A purchaser pays either the sales tax or the use tax, but never both.  

Example of In-State Purchase:

Purchased Item Cost                           $200.00
Joplin Sales Tax (3.125%)                         6.25
TOTAL                                                 $206.25

Example of Purchase from Out-of-State Vendor without use tax in place:

Purchased Item Cost                          $200.00
Joplin Use Tax (3.125%)                     ___0.00
TOTAL                                                 $200.00

Example of Purchase from Out-of-State Vendor with use tax in place:

Purchased Item Cost                         $200.00
Joplin Use Tax (3.125%)                          6.25
TOTAL                                                $206.25

Show All Answers

1. What is the Use Tax listed as “City of Joplin Proposition Action” on the November 2, 2021 ballot?
2. Will the Use Tax apply if I buy something from a Missouri retailer?
3. Will the Use Tax apply to every purchase made from out-of-state vendors?
4. Why does Joplin need a Use Tax?
5. Will the Use Tax have other local benefits?
6. Doesn’t Amazon already collect this use tax?
7. What is the rate of the Use Tax?
8. I don’t buy anything online. How will it affect me?
9. When are the polls open?
10. I already pay Sales Tax on purchases, is this the same thing?
11. How much will the City of Joplin receive from a local Use Tax?
12. How would the Use Tax revenues be spent in the City’s Budget?
13. How will the Use Tax revenues be used?
14. What happens if the Proposition Action fails?
15. When do I vote on this issue?
16. How does the ballot question read?
17. How do I vote Absentee for the November 2, 2021 election?