Missouri Introduces Cash Rounding Legislation (HB 2819 / SB 1620)
Missouri General Assembly
Source Overview
Missouri introduced two companion bills, HB 2819 and SB 1620, permitting vendors to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents following the cessation of penny production. Status: HB 2819 passed House Ways and Means Committee (9-0); SB 1620 pending hearing. **Rounding Scope:** - Applies to final transaction total (cash only) - Symmetrical rounding: 1,2,6,7 round down; 3,4,8,9 round up - Rounding occurs only after discounts and taxes are calculated **Electronic Transactions:** - Electronic payments remain unaffected
Key Takeaways
- Status: HB 2819 passed House Ways and Means Committee (9-0); SB 1620 pending hearing
- Symmetrical rounding to nearest five cents (1,2,6,7 down; 3,4,8,9 up)
- Rounding applies to final transaction total after discounts and taxes
- Cash transactions only; electronic payments unaffected
- Two companion bills introduced in House and Senate
Our Two Cents
Missouri's companion bills reflect the broader national pattern of states preparing for penny cessation. The explicit tax sequencing provision (rounding only after discounts and taxes) provides operational clarity that some other state proposals lack. The 9-0 committee vote on HB 2819 suggests bipartisan support.
Open Questions
- ?Will the Senate companion bill (SB 1620) advance on a similar timeline?
- ?How will Missouri retailers implement the symmetrical rounding standard?
- ?Does the legislation address refund handling or receipt disclosure?
- ?How will this interact with Missouri's local sales tax jurisdictions?
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