The minor child reaches age 21 for custodial transfers made by irrevocable lifetime gift, will, or trust, or exercise of power of appointment.Missouri has a state income tax, structured as a progressive tax on income.
Tax rates range from 2% - 4.7%.
Missouri does not impose an inheritance tax.
Missouri imposes an estate tax equal to the maximum credit allowed under the federal tax code for paid state estate and inheritance taxes under IRC Sec. 2011. However, the current federal tax code does not permit a credit for paid state estate or inheritance taxes. Therefore, there is no credit estate tax in effect at this time.
Missouri imposes a GST tax equal to the maximum credit permitted for paid state GST tax under IRC Sec. 2604. However, since the current federal tax code does not permit a credit for state GST tax paid, there is no current GST tax.
Missouri does not impose a gift tax.
The minimum age of a person competent to make a will is 18. A person younger than 18 may also make a will if that person is a minor emancipated by adjudication, marriage or entry into active military duty.
The number of witnesses necessary to execute a will is two.
The original custodial gift may be a life insurance policy or annuity contract.
Custodial property may be invested in or used to pay premiums on (1) a policy on the minor's life if the minor's estate is the sole beneficiary, or (2) a policy on a third party in whom the minor has an insurable interest, if the minor or the custodian is the irrevocable beneficiary.
The custodial arrangement terminates when:
The minor child reaches age 21 for custodial transfers made by irrevocable lifetime gift, will, or trust, or exercise of power of appointment.
The minor child reaches age 18 in regard to other custodial transfers.
The minor child dies.
For important general information about the following material, click here.
Each state describes its own distribution pattern of how property passes to a decedent's spouse, children, parents and siblings. If no such individuals are living, state laws specify other takers among more distant ancestors before awarding property to the state through "escheat" provisions. We do not trace devolution of property beyond those noted above, but cite appropriate statutes for those interested in additional detail.
Many states refer to their distribution regime by simply stating that the heirs of predeceased individuals take "by representation." We use only the statutory verbiage, but may cite other statutory guidance when it exists.
States vary in the way they refer to descendants, using such terms as "issue" or simply children or grandchildren. We use the term "descendant," unless usage of different term adds clarity.
Some states address situations where misconduct or abuse causes forfeiture of a right to receive a share of the estate. Those interested in this information should see the state statutes.
The estate goes to the surviving spouse, as follows:
If there are no surviving descendants—100% of the estate
If there are surviving descendants, all of whom are also descendants of the spouse—$20,000 plus 50% of the balance of the estate
If there are surviving descendants, one or more of whom are not also descendants of the spouse—50% of the estate
If there is no surviving spouse, or if a portion of the estate does not go to the spouse:
100% to children or descendants in equal parts (see RSMo §474.020)
If there is no surviving spouse or descendant:
100% to decedent’s parents, siblings, or their descendants in equal parts
If none of the above:
Intestacy laws outline further distribution steps to the level of grandparents, great-grandparents, predeceased spouse, and descendants. See RSMo §474.010(2)(d), (3).
If no legally described recipient can be found, estate assets go to the state of Missouri.
Click here for more information on intestacy.
Non-qualified Annuities: No exemption.
Life Insurance Cash Value: Exempt from owner’s creditors if the insured is the owner or the insured is an individual upon whom the owner is a dependent, provided that such exemption in bankruptcy proceeding is limited to $150,000. No bankruptcy exemption if the policy was purchased within one year of bankruptcy commencement.
Life Insurance Proceeds: Beneficiary’s interest in proceeds and avails are exempt.
Digital Assets: Missouri follows the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act to ensure that testators can retain control of their digital property and plan for its ultimate disposition.
Copyright © 2026, Endowment Development Services, a PGI Partners Company, 921 East 86th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. All rights reserved.
This service is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that neither the publisher nor any distributor is engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, investment, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
While the publisher has been diligent in attempting to provide accurate information, the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. Laws and regulations change frequently, and are subject to differing legal interpretations. Accordingly, neither the publisher nor any distributor of this service shall be liable for any loss or damage caused or alleged to have been caused by the use or reliance upon this service.