Taxes in Kansas: State Tax Guide 2026
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Taxes in Kansas: State Tax Guide 2026
Tax information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a licensed tax professional for your specific situation.
Kansas occupies a middle ground on taxes, with a three-bracket income tax topping out at 5.70%, above-average sales taxes, and property taxes that exceed the national average. The state’s tax policy has been through significant upheaval — deep income tax cuts in 2012 were reversed in 2017 — and the current structure reflects a more balanced approach. Kansas does not tax Social Security benefits and offers a food sales tax reduction, but the overall burden remains moderate to moderately high.
Kansas Income Tax Rates (2026)
Kansas uses a progressive income tax with three brackets. Rates for single filers:
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range |
|---|---|
| 3.10% | $0 – ~$15,000 |
| 5.25% | ~$15,001 – ~$30,000 |
| 5.70% | Over ~$30,000 |
Married filing jointly: 3.10% on first ~$30,000; 5.25% on $30,001–$60,000; 5.70% over ~$60,000.
Kansas’s standard deduction is ~$3,500 for single filers and ~$8,000 for married filing jointly. Personal exemptions are ~$2,250 per person.
Sales Tax
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State base rate | 6.50% |
| Average combined (state + local) | ~8.71% |
| Highest combined rate | ~11.50% |
Kansas allows cities and counties to add local sales taxes, pushing combined rates well above 10% in some areas. Wichita’s combined rate is approximately ~7.50%, while Kansas City (KS) approaches ~10%.
Groceries: Kansas has been phasing out the state sales tax on food. The state rate on groceries dropped from 6.50% to 4.00% in 2023, to 2.00% in 2024, and is scheduled to reach 0% in 2025. Local sales taxes still apply to groceries.
Exempt from sales tax: Prescription medications.
Property Tax
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average effective rate | ~1.33% |
| National average | 0.99% |
Kansas property taxes are above the national average. Rates are set by overlapping taxing districts (county, city, school, special districts). School funding makes up the largest share.
Assessment ratios: Residential property is assessed at 11.5% of appraised value. Commercial/industrial property is assessed at 25%.
Homestead refund: Kansas offers a property tax refund for homeowners with household income below ~$37,750. The refund is based on property taxes paid as a percentage of income, up to ~$700 for general homeowners. Seniors 65+ or disabled homeowners with income below ~$22,900 can receive a “Safe Senior” refund of up to 75% of property taxes.
Example: A home appraised at $250,000, assessed at 11.5% = ~$28,750. At a typical mill levy of ~140 mills, annual property tax is approximately ~$4,025.
Other Taxes
- Estate and inheritance tax: Kansas does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax.
- Capital gains: Taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 5.70%.
- Fuel tax: ~$0.24 per gallon.
- Cigarette tax: ~$1.29 per pack.
- Alcohol tax: ~$2.50 per gallon of spirits.
- Intangibles tax: Kansas imposes a local intangibles tax (in some counties) on interest, dividends, and certain investment income. Rates vary by county but are typically ~0.75%–2.25 mills. This is an unusual tax that effectively increases the tax on investment income.
- No local income taxes.
Tax Breaks and Credits
- No Social Security tax: Kansas fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax for filers with federal AGI below ~$75,000.
- Military retirement exclusion: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Kansas income tax.
- Homestead property tax refund: Up to ~$700 for qualifying homeowners; the Safe Senior refund can return up to 75% of property taxes for qualifying elderly and disabled homeowners.
- Kansas EITC: ~17% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (refundable).
- Child and dependent care credit: 25% of the federal credit.
- Food sales tax credit: A refundable credit to offset remaining local sales tax on food for households with income under certain thresholds.
- 529 plan deduction: Up to
$3,000 per beneficiary per year ($6,000 for married filing jointly) for contributions to Kansas’s Learning Quest 529 plan. - Disability access credit: Up to ~$4,000 for small businesses making their premises accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas’s top income tax rate of 5.70% kicks in at a relatively low ~$30,000 for single filers
- Property taxes at ~1.33% are well above the national average, making homeownership costs a significant factor
- The state sales tax on groceries is being eliminated, but local taxes on food remain
- Social Security and military retirement pay are exempt from state income tax
- The local intangibles tax on investment income is unusual and can catch newcomers off guard
Next Steps
- Compare Kansas to other states at State Income Tax Comparison: All 50 States Ranked
- Understand your federal obligation with the Federal Income Tax Guide 2026
- Make sure you claim everything you can — Tax Deductions You’re Probably Missing
- Ready to file? See How to File Your Taxes Step by Step
Tax information is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed tax professional.