Tax Preparer / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Tax Preparer License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Prepares tax returns. Some states require registration beyond federal PTIN.

What the Missouri data shows for Tax Preparers

Missouri sets the entry bar for tax preparers at board-approved training and a passing score on a state-approved exam. A background check is a standard part of the process. The credential is administered under Missouri's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Varies".

Upfront cost is $100 on a 2-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Missouri, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Missouri handles out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis instead of a standing reciprocity list.

Licensing Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
72/100
Tax Preparer · Missouri

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training A+
None required
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$100
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden N/A
N/A
Renewal fee annualized over the renewal cycle
Continuing Education N/A
N/A
Continuing-education hours annualized over the renewal cycle
Experience Required N/A
N/A
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Varies
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Tax Preparer in Missouri?
Missouri requires, passing an exam, and an initial fee of $100. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Tax Preparer in Missouri?
To become a licensed tax preparer in Missouri, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Missouri licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Tax Preparer license to Missouri from another state?
Out-of-state tax preparer credentials get a case-by-case review in Missouri rather than automatic recognition. Interstate compacts exist for a number of professions and might still help. Confirm the details with the Missouri licensing board.
Does Missouri require a background check for Tax Preparer licensing?
Yes, Missouri requires a criminal background check as part of the tax preparer licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

What to do with this tax preparer license

Tax Preparer in Missouri is one requirement row in a tax preparer-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Missouri's tax preparer requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Tax Preparer in every state
  • Read the general portability rules before moving an existing license to a new state. Transfer guide
  • See how Missouri's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Missouri overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Missouri licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.