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.
“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?
[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 one of the nine states that tax Social Security retirement benefits. However, benefits for residents with a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less are exempt from the tax. 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 tax-exempt. Railroad benefits are also exempt.
Kansas Income Tax Range: Single, Married filing separately and Head of household
Kansas Income Tax Range: Married filing jointly
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 (The state tax is being repealed in 2025, but local sales tax will still apply.)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.
- Must have been a Kansas resident for all of 2023
- Must have owned a home in Kansas during 2023
- Must have been 65 years or older for all of 2023
- Household income must have been $23,700 or less in 2023
- The home's value cannot exceed $350,000.
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
Kansas estate and inheritance taxes
There is no estate tax or inheritance tax in Kansas.
