Kansas Tax Guide
Explore Kansas's state tax rates for income, sales, property, retirement, and more. Learn how Kansas compares nationwide.
Katelyn Washington
Kansas state tax: Overview
Kansas can be a moderately tax-friendly state for certain retirees, particularly those with a public pension income.
Residents of the Sunflower State are fully exempt from taxes on their public pension. Not to mention: Kansans' tax savings recently got even better thanks to a new landmark tax relief package signed into law last year.
As reported by Kiplinger, Gov. Laura Kelley signed a measure that eliminated Kansas's tax on Social Security income, reduced property and income taxes, and is set to increase the state standard deduction and child and dependent care credit. The new legislation is projected to usher in nearly $2 billion in tax cuts for Kansans over the next 5 years.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
On the downside, Kansas does carry a high sales tax. The state is the ninth most expensive in the nation when considering average combined state and local sales taxes.
However, some taxpayers might consider Kansas income tax rates a positive, depending on how much they earn and where those earnings come from.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, and the Sales Tax Handbook. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
Kansas income taxes
Kansas has a graduated state individual income tax rate ranging from 3.10% to 5.70%.
Kansas Republican lawmakers recently enacted a flat income tax plan over the veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Senate Bill 269 would reduce income taxes to a single rate of 4%, according to local reports.
Gov. Kelly said in a statement that the income tax cuts would cost the state up to $1.3 billion annually.
However, Kansas has an "intangibles tax" levied on unearned income (for example, income from savings accounts, stocks, and bonds) by some localities.
Kansas retirement taxes
Kansas income taxes in retirement: Kansas is no longer one of the states that tax Social Security retirement benefits. A broad tax relief package signed by Gov. Kelly went into effect in June 2024, eliminating state taxes on Social Security income in Kansas.
Income from federal government-designated Kansas state and local government, as well as military retirement plans, is tax-exempt. Railroad benefits are also exempt.
- Social Security: Partially taxable (Exempt for retires with an AGI of $75,000 or less)
- Pensions: Taxable (Public pensions are exempt)
- 401(k) and IRA Distributions: Taxable
Kansas sales tax
The statewide levy is 6.5%. Localities can add as much as 5%, and the average combined rate is 8.77%, according to Tax Foundation data.
Kansas repealed its grocery sales tax in 2025, but a local sales tax will still apply.) The elimination of the state sales tax on groceries is expected to save shoppers $13 million per month this year, according to the governor's office.
- Clothing: Taxable
- Prescription drugs: Taxable
- Clothing: Taxable
How much are property taxes in Kansas?
The average effective property tax rate in Kansas is 1.26%. However, Kansas offers programs that can help some homeowners reduce their property taxes.
Kansas Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
SAFESR: Some homeowners may be eligible for the ‘Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors’ or SAFESR. The program offers a property tax refund program equal to 75% of the property taxes paid. Kansas requires that taxpayers meet specific criteria to qualify.
Additionally, taxpayers can claim either the Homestead or SAFESR refund, not both.
Kansas gas tax
Gasoline | $0.24 per gallon |
Diesel | $0.26 per gallon |
Kansas taxes on alcohol and tobacco
Product | Tax amount |
|---|---|
Cigarettes | $1.29 per pack |
Other tobacco products | 10% of wholesale price |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Product | Tax amount |
|---|---|
Wine | $0.30 per gallon |
Beer | $0.18 per gallon |
Liquor | $2.50 per gallon |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Kansas estate and inheritance taxes
There is no estate tax or inheritance tax in Kansas.
Related Content
-
Trump Reshapes Foreign PolicyThe Kiplinger Letter The President starts the new year by putting allies and adversaries on notice.
-
How to Plan a (Successful) Family ReunionFrom shaping the guest list to building the budget, here's how to design a successful and memorable family reunion.
-
These Unloved Energy Stocks Are a BargainCleaned-up balance sheets and generous dividends make these dirt-cheap energy shares worth a look.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
When Do W-2s Arrive? 2026 Deadline and 'Big Beautiful Bill' ChangesTax Deadlines Mark your calendar: Feb 2 is the big W-2 release date. Here’s the delivery scoop and what the Trump tax changes might mean for your taxes.
-
Are You Afraid of an IRS Audit? 8 Ways to Beat Tax Audit AnxietyTax Season Tax audit anxiety is like a wild beast. Here’s how you can help tame it.
-
States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026Retirement Tax Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?
-
10 Cheapest Places to Live in WashingtonProperty Tax Is Washington your go-to ski destination? These counties combine no income tax with the lowest property tax bills in the state.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction for 2026Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
-
Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
