Data Notice: Tax rates, brackets, and exemptions cited in “Taxes in Kansas: State Tax Guide 2026” are projected 2026 figures based on enacted Kansas legislation and IRS inflation adjustments. The Kansas legislature may enact mid-year changes. Verify with the Kansas Department of Revenue before filing. [taxes-kansas-2026]

Taxes in Kansas: State Tax Guide 2026

The content in this taxes in kansas: state tax guide 2026 guide is educational and informational. It should not be relied upon as tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual tax situations require personalized analysis by a qualified professional. Consult a CPA or enrolled agent for your specific needs.

Kansas occupies a middle ground on taxes, with a three-bracket income tax topping out at 5.70%, above-average sales taxes, and property taxes that exceed the national average. The state’s tax policy has been through significant upheaval — deep income tax cuts in 2012 were reversed in 2017 — and the current structure reflects a more balanced approach. Kansas does not tax Social Security benefits and offers a food sales tax reduction, but the overall burden remains moderate to moderately high.

Kansas Income Tax Rates (2026)

Kansas uses a progressive income tax with three brackets. Rates for single filers:

Tax Rate	Taxable Income Range
3.10%	$0 – ~$15,000
5.25%	~$15,001 – ~$30,000
5.70%	Over ~$30,000

Married filing jointly: 3.10% on first ~$30,000; 5.25% on ~~$30,001–~~$60,000; 5.70% over ~$60,000.

Kansas’s standard deduction is ~$3,500 for single filers and ~$8,000 for married filing jointly. Personal exemptions are ~$2,250 per person.

Sales Tax

Component	Rate
State base rate	6.50%
Average combined (state + local)	~8.71%
Highest combined rate	~11.50%

Kansas allows cities and counties to add local sales taxes, pushing combined rates well above 10% in some areas. Wichita’s combined rate is approximately ~7.50%, while Kansas City (KS) approaches ~10%.

Groceries: Kansas has been phasing out the state sales tax on food. The state rate on groceries dropped from 6.50% to 4.00% in 2023, to 2.00% in 2024, and is scheduled to reach 0% in 2025. Local sales taxes still apply to groceries.

Exempt from sales tax: Prescription medications.

Property Tax

Metric	Amount
Average effective rate	~1.33%
National average	0.99%

Kansas property taxes are above the national average. Rates are set by overlapping taxing districts (county, city, school, special districts). School funding makes up the largest share.

Assessment ratios: Residential property is assessed at 11.5% of appraised value. Commercial/industrial property is assessed at 25%.

Homestead refund: Kansas offers a property tax refund for homeowners with household income below ~$37,750. The refund is based on property taxes paid as a percentage of income, up to ~$700 for general homeowners. Seniors 65+ or disabled homeowners with income below ~$22,900 can receive a “Safe Senior” refund of up to 75% of property taxes.

Example: A home appraised at $250,000, assessed at 11.5% = ~$28,750. At a typical mill levy of ~140 mills, annual property tax is approximately ~$4,025.

Other Taxes

Estate and inheritance tax: Kansas does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Capital gains: Taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 5.70%.
Fuel tax: ~$0.24 per gallon.
Cigarette tax: ~$1.29 per pack.
Alcohol tax: ~$2.50 per gallon of spirits.
Intangibles tax: Kansas imposes a local intangibles tax (in some counties) on interest, dividends, and certain investment income. Rates vary by county but are typically ~0.75%–2.25 mills. This is an unusual tax that effectively increases the tax on investment income.
No local income taxes.

Tax Breaks and Credits

No Social Security tax: Kansas fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax for filers with federal AGI below ~$75,000.
Military retirement exclusion: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Kansas income tax.
Homestead property tax refund: Up to ~$700 for qualifying homeowners; the Safe Senior refund can return up to 75% of property taxes for qualifying elderly and disabled homeowners.
Kansas EITC: ~17% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (refundable).
Child and dependent care credit: 25% of the federal credit.
Food sales tax credit: A refundable credit to offset remaining local sales tax on food for households with income under certain thresholds.
529 plan deduction: Up to ~~$3,000 per beneficiary per year (~~$6,000 for married filing jointly) for contributions to Kansas’s Learning Quest 529 plan.
Disability access credit: Up to ~$4,000 for small businesses making their premises accessible.

Key Takeaways

Kansas’s top income tax rate of 5.70% kicks in at a relatively low ~$30,000 for single filers
Property taxes at ~1.33% are well above the national average, making homeownership costs a significant factor
The state sales tax on groceries is being eliminated, but local taxes on food remain
Social Security and military retirement pay are exempt from state income tax
The local intangibles tax on investment income is unusual and can catch newcomers off guard

Next Steps

Compare Kansas to other states at State Income Tax Comparison: All 50 States Ranked
Understand your federal obligation with the Federal Income Tax Guide 2026
Make sure you claim everything you can — Tax Deductions You’re Probably Missing
Ready to file? See How to File Your Taxes Step by Step

Tax information is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed tax professional.