Lee's Summit, MO Local Taxes & Fees: Business Tax Classification (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of Ordinances ch. 28, art. II
- License term
- 1 year from issuance
- Landlord exemption
- 4 or fewer rental units
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to City Clerk
- Enforcing office
- Director of Finance
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Every trade, vocation, profession or occupation operating inside Lee's Summit must register and pay for a business license under Code of Ordinances Article II, with the fee set by class in the city's Schedule of Fees and Charges. State law exempts specific professions and small residential landlords from the tax entirely.
The provisions of this article shall apply to all corporations, companies, associations, joint stock associations, partnerships, copartnerships and persons... who shall engage in any business, trade, vocation, profession or occupation including manufacturing, within the City limits. Those professions or callings specifically exempted from license fees or taxes by virtue of RSMo 71.620... Minister of the gospel, duly accredited Christian Science practitioner, teacher, professor in a college, priest, lawyer, certified public accountant, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, chiropodist or physician or surgeon in the State; and veterinarian, architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, auctioneer, or real estate broker or salesman in this State unless that person maintains a business office within the City... In addition, persons, partnerships or entities engaged in the rental or leasing of residential dwelling units where the total number units being leased or rented are four (4) or less are hereby exempt from the fees imposed by this Article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55 | Unified Development Ordinance: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
Section 28-21 defines the taxable classes broadly: 'business, trade, vocation, profession, occupation' covers any wholesale or retail sale of goods, wares, merchandise or services, while 'merchant' and 'manufacturer' are defined as separate license classes. 630, and any landlord renting four or fewer residential dwelling units. Section 28-24 makes it unlawful to engage in business or manufacturing in the City without first obtaining the license, paying the fee, and registering with the Director of Finance; anyone holding a retail sales license must also submit a Missouri Department of Revenue tax-clearance statement dated within 90 days of the application.
Section 28-28 requires a separate license for each separate business entity operating at the same address. Section 28-30 sets the fee for each class at the amount in the City's Schedule of Fees and Charges (Ord. No. 4634). Section 28-33 lets the Director of Finance deny a license for an incomplete or false application, nonpayment, improper zoning, code violations, or unpaid City debts, and a denied applicant can appeal in writing to the City Clerk within 10 days, with Council deciding after a hearing held within 21 days.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required class license, or continuing after a suspension or revocation order, is a municipal ordinance violation under Section 1-13: a fine up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of continued operation a separate offense. Delinquent license fees draw interest under RSMo 144.170 in addition to the fine. Denials can be appealed to the City Clerk within 10 days of the disapproval; missing that deadline waives the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Lee's Summit business need its own license class?
Are any professions exempt from the Lee's Summit business license tax?
What happens if I operate without the license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee's Summit
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