Missouri House narrows bill to bar sales tax on merchants’ credit‑card fees

Representative from Jackson moved the perfection and printing of House Bill 1707 and offered a titling amendment that the floor adopted.

The sponsor said the bill prevents the Department of Revenue from imposing sales tax on fees that merchants pay to credit‑card companies. "They have been getting charged sales tax on those fees, and that is not proper because they're not making any profit on that fee," the Representative from Jackson said. He added the measure narrows the title to match that intent.

Members asked clarifying questions about whether the tax is currently being applied and how the amendment changes the bill’s scope; the sponsor replied that sales tax is occurring now on those fees. A member from Saint Louis County said the amendment clarified a point that was confusing and expressed support.

Floor sponsors framed the bill as a protection for small businesses and said the commerce committee had vetted it. After closing remarks the House voted to order House Bill 1707, as amended, perfected and printed.

Next steps: the bill was ordered perfected and printed by the House; further committee or floor action will follow as the legislative process continues.