Kansas state tax is a mixed picture with some positives and a fair share of negatives. High sales tax plays a significant role in the tax burden for Kansas. In fact, according to the Tax Foundation, Kansas is the ninth most expensive in the nation when considering state and local taxes.
Some taxpayers might consider Kansas income tax rates a positive, depending on how much they earn and where those earnings come from.
Kansas State Tax: Income Taxes
Kansas income tax rates might provide relief to some taxpayers with higher income. Currently, the highest income rate taxed is 5.7%.
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However, Kansas has an "intangibles tax" levied on unearned income (for example, income from savings accounts, stocks and bonds) by some localities.
Additionally, retirees with higher income might pay more income tax than they would in other states.
Kansas tax on retirement benefits: Social Security benefits are exempt from Kansas income tax for residents with a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less. For taxpayers with a federal AGI above $75,000, Social Security benefits are taxed by Kansas to the same extent they are taxed at the federal level.
Income from federal government, designated Kansas state and local government, and military retirement plans is exempt. Railroad benefits are also exempt.
Kansas Income Tax Range: Single, Married filing separately and Head of household
| Up to $15,000 | 3.1% |
| $15,0001 to $30,000 | 5.25% |
| More than $30,000 | 5.7% |
Kansas Income Tax Range: Married filing jointly
| Up to $30,000 | 3.1% |
| $30,001 to $60,000 | 5.25% |
| More than $60,000 | 5.7% |
Kansas Sales Tax
The statewide levy is 6.5%. Localities can add as much as 4.25%, and the average combined rate is 8.66%, according to Tax Foundation data.
- Groceries are taxable but at a reduced rate of 4%. (The state tax is being phased out to 2% in 2024 and exempt in 2025, but local sales tax will still apply.)
- Clothing is taxable.
- Prescription drugs are tax exempt.
How Much is Property Tax in Kansas?
In Kansas, the median property tax rate 1.41%, and the average property bill is $3,060, which is higher than the national average. However, Kansas does offer programs that can help some homeowners reduce their property taxes.
Kansas Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
Homestead Property Tax Refund Act: Eligible taxpayers can receive a rebate on property taxes paid. The maximum rebate amount is $700. Kansas has specific eligibility criteria that taxpayers must meet to qualify.
(Note: Criteria and amounts could change for tax year 2023.)
- Must be a state resident and lived in Kansas for the entire year
- Must not have an income above $37,750
- Must be 55 or older (If under 55, taxpayers may qualify if they have a permanent disability or dependent child.)
SAFESR: The refund under this property tax refund program is 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.
(Note: Criteria and amounts could change for tax year 2023.)
- Must be a Kansas resident and owned a residence in the state for the entire year
- Must be age 65 or older
- Household income must need exceed $22,000.
- House must be valued at $350,000 or less.
Kansas State Motor Vehicle Taxes
State and local sales taxes apply to motor vehicle purchases. Residents must also pay Kansas vehicle property tax.
The state tax on gasoline is $0.24, which is lower than in many other states.
Kansas "Sin Taxes"
| Cigarettes | $1.29 per pack |
| Other tobacco products | 10% of wholesale price |
| Vapor products | $0.05 per ml |
| Beer | $0.18 per gallon |
| Wine | $0.30 per gallon |
| Wine (above 16% alcohol by volume) | $0.75 per gallon |
| Liquor | $2.50 per gallon |
| Marijuana | N/A (Illegal in Kansas) |
Kansas Estate and Inheritance Taxes
There is no estate tax or inheritance tax in Kansas.
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