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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
“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.
Related Content
-
Retire in Costa Rica With These Three Tax BenefitsRetirement Taxes Costa Rica may be a good place for retirement if you like the low cost of living and savings for your heirs.
-
Five Ways to Ease Caregiver StressCaregiver stress is real. Here are five techniques to protect your health and happiness while caring for a loved one.
-
Retire in Costa Rica With These Three Tax Benefits
Retirement Taxes Costa Rica may be a good place for retirement if you like the low cost of living and savings for your heirs.
-
Ten IRS Audit Red Flags for Self-Employed IndividualsIRS Audits Taxpayers who file Schedule C with their Form 1040 have a greater chance of an IRS audit
-
Trump Wants You Out of the IRS, But You'll Have to Wait Until MayIRS Some IRS employees won’t be able to resign using the buyout offer until the end of tax season.
-
Are Tips Taxable in 2025? Understanding the IRS RulesTaxable Income With all the recent talk about ending federal taxes on tips, some wonder whether tips are taxable income.
-
What's Going on With New Jersey Property Tax Programs?Property Tax ANCHOR and ‘Senior Freeze’ just got a refresh, and there’s a new program: Stay NJ. Learn how to save on New Jersey property taxes.
-
States That Won't Tax Your Retirement Income in 2025Retirement Taxes Several states don’t tax Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. But you may still have to pay state taxes on some incomes.
-
Navigating 1099s: A Guide to All 22 IRS Tax Forms to KnowTax Filing You should receive your 1099 form by February 15. But what happens next?
-
Five States With the Largest EITC ChecksEITC Households in these states received a larger Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) last year.
