Kansas State Taxes
Quick Tax Facts
Income Tax: 5.2% – 5.58%
State Sales Tax: 6.5%
Median Property Tax: $2,536
Overview
Kansas is ranked among the least tax-friendly states for both middle-class families and retirees, according to Kiplinger. One of the main reasons is the high sales tax rate (state and local combined), which can be as much as 11.5%. Income tax rates are also on the higher side when compared to other states. Thankfully, Kansas does offer some property tax breaks for seniors with lower incomes, which can help cut down their costs.
Kansas Income Tax
For the 2025 tax year, Kansas moved to a two-bracket progressive income tax system.
| Kansas Income Tax Brackets – Married Filing Jointly |
|---|
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
| $0 – $46,000 | 5.2% |
| Over $46,000 | 5.58% |
| Kansas Income Tax Brackets – All Other Taxpayers |
|---|
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
| $0 – $23,000 | 5.2% |
| Over $23,000 | 5.58% |
Your Kansas filing status must match your federal income tax return. The one exception is qualifying widow(er), which should be listed as head of household on your state tax return.
Who Must File?
Full-year residents must file a state income tax return (K-40) if a federal return is filed or if their income (from all sources) is greater than the combined total of their Kansas standard deduction and personal exemption amount. If you moved to the state within the last year, you have the option of filing as a resident or non-resident.
Non-Residents & Part-Year Residents
As a non-resident or part-year resident, you must file a Kansas state income tax return if you have any income from Kansas sources. Non-residents should also complete Kansas Schedule S, Part B.
If you are filing a joint return and either you or your spouse is a non-resident of Kansas, you must file together as non-residents.
Kansas Sales Tax
Kansas has a state sales tax rate of 6.5%. Additionally, cities and counties may impose additional sales taxes. The city sales tax cannot exceed 2% for general purposes and 1% for special purposes. At the county level, additional sales tax cannot exceed 1% (general), not including the additional 1% for health care services.
The cities with the highest combined sales tax rates (11.5%) are Leavenworth and Junction City.
Kansas Property Taxes
Real and tangible property in Kansas is subject to taxation by cities, counties, and special taxing districts. All property is appraised at its fair market value with very few exceptions. Property tax rates vary by local taxing districts.
The median property tax in Kansas is approximately $2,536 annually. Johnson County has the highest property tax at an average of $4,000. The lowest amount is $1,067 in Chautauqua County.
| Highest | $4000 |
|---|---|
| Median | $2536 |
| Lowest | $1067 |
Yearly Cost Per Resident
Kansas Tax Holidays
At this time, Kansas does not have any tax holidays.
Kansas Tax Relief
Falling behind on your Kansas income taxes can make resolving your balance more challenging, particularly as penalties and interest continue to accrue. The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) may also take action to collect delinquent taxes. Whether your balance is related to unfiled returns, financial difficulties, or unpaid business taxes, addressing the issue early may help prevent additional collection activity.
If you can’t afford to pay your Kansas tax balance in full, you may have options for working toward a resolution. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you may be able to set up a payment plan, petition for abatement, or elect voluntary disclosure. Taking action sooner may also help you avoid or address enforcement measures such as tax liens, wage garnishments, bank levies, and other collection actions.
Learning how Kansas handles unpaid taxes and exploring the tax relief options available can help you better understand your choices and determine the right next steps for resolving your balance.
Common Kansas State Tax Problems
Back Taxes
If you owe unpaid Kansas taxes, addressing your balance early may help you avoid additional penalties and collection actions.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Filing past-due Kansas tax returns is often the first step toward resolving your state tax issues.
Tax Notices
Notices from the KS Department of Revenue shouldn’t be ignored, as they often require prompt action to prevent further collections.
Liens & Levies
Unresolved tax debt may lead to liens against your property or levies on your assets as the state works to collect what is owed.
Garnishment
Kansas may garnish your wages to collect unpaid taxes, reducing the amount of each paycheck you receive.
Tax Penalties
Unpaid taxes can continue to accrue penalties and interest until your balance is resolved.
How Kansas Collects Tax Debt
If you owe Kansas income taxes, the state will send you a demand for payment. If you do not pay your balance or respond to the notices, at approximately 60 days past due, the state will issue a Tax Warrant (lien).
The lien attaches to your real and personal property, which may block your ability to refinance or sell the property. Continued non-compliance will result in wage garnishment, bank levies, and asset seizure. For debts more than six months past due, the state may assign the account to an external collections agency for litigation.
Penalties and interest will continue to accrue while your balance is outstanding. Addressing your tax debt as early as possible can help you avoid additional costs and more serious collection actions.
Billing notice sent to taxpayer
Creation of Tax Warrant (lien)
Referral to external collection agency
Kansas State Tax Relief Options
Kansas offers a few relief options, including:
- Payment Plans – Kansas offers payment plans for taxpayers who cannot pay their tax bill in full.
- Petition for Abatement – Taxpayers facing economic hardship or when there is a doubt as to collectability may file a Petition for Abatement. This is similar to an Offer in Compromise and allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than they owe.
- Voluntary Disclosure – Taxpayers who are not in compliance may voluntarily register and pay prior tax obligations (up to 3 years), and no penalties will be imposed.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship and can’t pay your Kansas income tax bill, contact the Department of Revenue as soon as possible to avoid collection actions.
When to Seek Tax Relief Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to explore your tax relief options:
You’re Receiving Collection Notices
Ignoring Kansas tax notices can lead to more serious collection actions, so it’s often best to address the issue early.
You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes
If paying your Kansas state tax bill in full isn’t realistic, there may be payment or resolution options available.
Collection Actions Have Started
If you’re facing wage garnishments, bank levies, or tax liens, professional guidance may help you understand your options.
The sooner you address your tax debt, the more options you may have available to resolve your balance and minimize additional collection actions.
Kansas Tax Relief FAQs
Kansas Tax Resources
If you need assistance preparing your Kansas state taxes, you can speak with a tax professional from Tax Defense Network by calling 855-476-6920.
You can also visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website for additional resources.
- Make a Tax Payment
- Check Refund Status
- Download Tax Forms
- Taxpayer Assistance: 785-368-8222 or email kdor_tac@ks.gov
