A provision in HB1867 could increase the transient guest tax burden on Joplin's hotel and motel operators by two percentage points.
Most restaurant owners in Joplin don't realize that a tourism-related bill working through the Missouri legislature could directly affect how much tax their neighboring hotel and motel operators must collect and remit—and indirectly, the competitive landscape for hospitality businesses across the city.
HB1867 authorizes the City of Joplin to increase the transient guest tax on hotel and motel operators. Here's what you need to know if you operate lodging in Joplin or work closely with the hospitality sector.
HB1867 permits Joplin—a city with a population between 51,000 and 58,000 that spans more than one county—to raise the transient guest tax from its current rate of 4 percent to as high as 6 percent per occupied room per night. That's a potential increase of 2 percentage points.
The tax increase is not automatic. It requires voter approval at an election conducted under Missouri law (section 115.123). Joplin voters would need to approve the measure before it takes effect.
This provision directly impacts hotel and motel operators in Joplin. These small business owners are responsible for collecting the transient guest tax from guests and remitting it to the city. A 2-percentage-point increase means higher compliance costs, more complex accounting, and reduced margins on each occupied room.
The provision is found in Section 67.1000, subsection 5(3), on Page 3 of HB1867.
The tax increase becomes effective upon voter approval at a permitted election. Based on current projections, revenue collection is assumed to begin in fiscal year 2028, giving operators and the city time to prepare systems and procedures.
Hotel and motel operators should monitor local election schedules and city announcements to understand when a ballot measure might be presented to voters.
If you operate a hotel or motel in Joplin, a 2-percentage-point tax increase affects your bottom line and your competitive positioning. You'll need to evaluate how to absorb or pass along the additional tax burden, update your point-of-sale and accounting systems to reflect the new rate, and potentially adjust pricing strategies.
Even if you don't operate lodging directly, the tax increase could influence tourism patterns and visitor spending in Joplin, which may have ripple effects across the hospitality and food service sectors.
Stay informed about Joplin city council meetings and ballot measure announcements. If you operate a hotel or motel, begin planning now for potential system updates and staffing adjustments. The Missouri Hotel and Lodging Association and local chambers of commerce may provide additional guidance as the bill moves forward and election dates are set.
Source: HB1867, Section 67.1000, subsection 5(3), Page 3; Missouri election procedures under section 115.123.