The Missouri Tax Increase Clause, also known as the Hancock Amendment, is a constitutional provision in the state of Missouri that restricts the ability of the government to increase taxes without approval from the voters. This clause aims to protect taxpayers from excessive taxation and provides a mechanism for ensuring that any proposed tax increases are backed by popular consensus. The Missouri Tax Increase Clause was named after Mel Hancock, a former Missouri State Representative who championed the cause of taxpayer protection. It was added to the state constitution in 1980 and has since served as a significant check on the government's power to raise taxes. Under the Tax Increase Clause, any proposed tax increase or the enactment of any new taxes must receive approval through a statewide vote. This means that before any tax changes can be implemented, they must first be put to a public referendum, allowing tax-paying citizens to have a direct say in financial matters affecting their lives. The purpose of the Missouri Tax Increase Clause is to ensure transparency and accountability in the tax legislation process. By introducing this requirement for voter approval, the clause adds an extra layer of scrutiny to tax proposals, preventing lawmakers from unilaterally raising taxes without demonstrating the necessity and gaining popular support. There are two main types of Missouri Tax Increase Clauses: one applies to state taxes, while the other applies to local taxes. The state-level Tax Increase Clause further specifies that any income tax increase must not exceed a limit of 10%, and any sales or use tax increase must not exceed a limit of 5%. The local-level Tax Increase Clause, on the other hand, empowers voters in each individual local jurisdiction, such as counties, cities, or school districts, to decide on tax increases through local referendums. Overall, the Missouri Tax Increase Clause serves as an important safeguard for taxpayers against arbitrary tax increases. By requiring voter approval, it promotes fiscal responsibility, transparency, and democratic decision-making in matters of tax policy.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.