As Missourians fill up their gas tanks for Fourth of July plans, there’s an opportunity to save money, thanks to the state’s fuel tax refund program.
The state introduced an escalating fuel tax in 2021 to raise funds for road repairs, which peaked on July 1 at 29.5 cents per gallon. However, drivers can now apply for a refund of this tax, with the refund rate increasing each year until it reaches 12.5 cents per gallon by July 1, 2025.
How the Refund Works:
The Missouri gas tax refund program allows drivers to get back part of the fuel tax they pay, but to benefit from it, they must keep detailed records of their gas purchases. Here’s how to apply:
- Collect Your Receipts: Drivers must save their receipts between July 1 and June 30.
- Apply for the Refund: From July 1 to September 30, drivers can apply for a refund for the prior 12 months.
- Complete Missouri Form 4923-H: This requires recording details such as the purchase date, seller’s name, address, and exact gallons purchased.
- Simplify the Process with the “No MO Gas Tax” App: Developed by Tammi Hilton, this app allows users to photograph receipts and enter data electronically, making the process much easier and more efficient.
Refund Numbers So Far:
Though the program started in 2022, participation has been lower than anticipated. In 2022, around 15,000 drivers applied for refunds, but this number dropped to 10,820 in 2023 and slightly increased to 11,801 in 2024. This means less than 1% of Missouri drivers have claimed their refunds.
How Much Could You Save?
While it may seem small at first (just 2.5 cents per gallon in 2022), the refund has steadily grown. For gas purchased between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the refund will be 10 cents per gallon — that’s an extra $2 per fill-up.
In total, the state refunded $433,000 in 2022, $700,000 in 2023, and $1.562 million in 2024. The average refund per claim in 2024 was $132.42 — though this number was skewed by one business that received a $200,000 refund.
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Other Key Details:
- Eligible Vehicles: Only vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds qualify for the refund, excluding most semi-trucks.
- Fraudulent Claims: Missouri has rejected $3.3 million in fraudulent claims since the program began.
Are you planning to apply for the Missouri gas tax refund? How do you feel about the process — too complicated or worth the savings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay updated on Missouri’s tax refund program and other state news by visiting ridgecrestpact.org.
