Kansas state tax: Overview
High sales tax plays a significant role in the tax burden for Kansas. In fact, according, Kansas 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.
In the News: Some residents of the Sunflower State might have already noticed some savings on their grocery bills this month after a reduction in the Kansas ‘food tax’ went into effect on the first of this year. Shoppers now pay a 2% Kansas state sales tax on grocery items, down from the 4% they paid last year.
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“This reduction is a step toward eliminating the state sales tax on groceries completely, which will happen in 2025,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in an announcement.
For more information, see Kansas 'Food Tax' Cut: How Much Will You Save?
Also, as of 2024, Kansas no longer taxes Social Security benefits. The change was enacted through recent legislation, a bill signed by Gov. Laura Kelly in June 2024.
[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 income tax rates might provide relief to some taxpayers with higher incomes. That's because the highest state income tax rate is 5.7% for 2024.
However, Kansas has an "intangibles tax" levied on unearned income (for example, income from savings accounts, stocks, and bonds) by some localities.
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, and military retirement plans is tax-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 8.654%, according to Tax Foundation data.
- Groceries are taxable but at a reduced rate of 2%. (The state tax is being repealed in 2025, but local sales tax will still apply.)
- Clothing is taxable.
- Prescription drugs are tax-exempt.
How much are property taxes in Kansas?
The average effective property tax rate in Kansas is 1.35%, and the median property bill is $2,536. However, Kansas offers programs that can help some homeowners reduce their property taxes.
Kansas Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
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.
Kansas gas tax (motor fuel)
Gasoline: $0.24 per gallon
Diesel: $0.26 per gallon
Kansas taxes on alcohol and tobacco
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 |
Kansas estate and inheritance taxes
There is no estate tax or inheritance tax in Kansas.
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