St. Louis County voters will once again decide whether they want to pay a little more for their Amazon order.
The County Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday night to place a use tax on the Aug. 4 ballot. If approved, the county would place a levy equal to the amount of local sales tax on out-of-state online purchases. Officials estimate it could raise between $45 million and $75 million for St. Louis County.
A similar vote failed in 2022. But 2nd District Councilwoman Gretchen Bangert, D-Florissant, said more people now understand the concept of a use tax.
"It's not a tax that's incurred on everyone. It's a choice," said Bangert, who sponsored the bill authorizing the election. "If you don't want to pay it, don't purchase your items online."
The State of Missouri already charges a use tax of a little more than 4%. A number of local governments have adopted their own use taxes, and three more will vote on them in April.
While County Executive Sam Page will sign the bill, he is not planning to use any of his remaining campaign funds to support the tax. The Municipal League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Realtors are expected to lead the campaign in favor of the tax.
Realtors lobbyist Dave Sweeney told the council Tuesday that the organization supports leveling the playing field for brick-and-mortar stores and their online competitors.
"Strong local retail and commercial corridors are essential to property values, neighborhood vitality and local tax base stability," he said. "When local businesses are disadvantaged, it affects vacancy rates, investment decisions and long-term community growth."
This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the role the REALTORS and the Municipal League will play in the campaign.
Copyright 2026 St. Louis Public Radio
