Key Tax Facts: Kansas
- Social Security is exempt from Kansas income tax
- Public pension income is exempt; private pensions are partially exempt
- Kansas has some of the highest combined sales tax rates in the U.S.
- No local income taxes beyond the state rate
Estimate Your 2026 Federal and Kansas State Income Tax
Kansas State Income Tax Overview
Kansas imposes income tax using two brackets: 5.2% on income up to $23,000 for single filers and 5.58% above that. Senate Bill 1, enacted in June 2024 and retroactive to January 1, 2024, consolidated three brackets into two, cut the top rate from 5.7% to 5.58%, and eliminated the lowest bracket entirely. The same law raised the personal exemption sharply, from $2,250 to $9,160 for single filers and from $4,500 to $18,320 for married couples. The standard deduction is $3,605 for single filers and $8,240 for joint filers. Social Security income is exempt for residents with federal AGI below $75,000, military retirement pay is fully exempt, and a food sales tax credit offsets the state's grocery tax.
What Is Different About Kansas's Income Tax
Deductions and exemptions
Kansas set its standard deduction at $3,605 for single filers and $8,240 for joint filers, with personal exemptions of $2,320 per person plus an extra $2,320 for each dependent under the 2024 tax package. Itemizing is allowed if the taxpayer itemized federally.
Credits worth knowing
The state earned income credit is 17% of the federal credit, and a child and dependent care credit is 25% of the federal credit. Homeowners and renters with low income may qualify for a homestead refund or the SAFESR refund for seniors, both claimed separately from the income tax return.
Retirement, capital gains, and other income
Social Security became fully exempt in 2024. Kansas public employee retirement benefits and federal civil service pensions are exempt, as is military retirement pay, but private pensions, 401(k), and IRA withdrawals are taxed at the 5.2% or 5.58% rates. Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Rules summarized from the Kansas Department of Revenue guidance for tax year 2026. Amounts that index annually are described in general terms; confirm the current figure on the official form instructions.
Kansas Income Tax Brackets (2026) projected
These are the Kansas state income tax brackets for tax year 2026. Kansas applies the same brackets to all filing statuses, carried forward from 2025 pending official 2026 figures. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate -- not your entire income.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $23,000 | 5.2% |
| Over $23,000 | 5.58% |
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue. Kansas applies these brackets to all filing statuses.
What a Kansas Resident Actually Pays: A Worked Example
Your effective tax rate is almost always lower than your top bracket. Here is how the math works for a single filer earning $65,000.
Where Kansas Stands Among the 50 States
Kansas's top rate of 5.58% ranks #19 of the 41 states that tax wages. The median top rate across those 41 states is 5.2%, so Kansas is above the middle of the pack. It is one of 27 states with a graduated schedule, using 2 brackets; the top rate starts at $23,000 of taxable income, and the lowest bracket ends at $23,000.
On sales tax the picture is different: Kansas's combined state and average local rate of 8.68% ranks #9 of 50, against a national median of 7.00%.
Kansas State Tax at Five Income Levels (2026, single filer)
| Taxable income | Kansas tax | Effective rate | Marginal rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,145 | 5.36% | 5.58% |
| $65,000 | $3,540 | 5.45% | 5.58% |
| $100,000 | $5,493 | 5.49% | 5.58% |
| $150,000 | $8,283 | 5.52% | 5.58% |
| $250,000 | $13,863 | 5.55% | 5.58% |
Brackets applied directly to the taxable-income figure shown, before Kansas-specific deductions, exemptions, or credits. Federal tax is separate and comes on top of every row.
Kansas vs. Its Neighbors on $75,000 of Taxable Income
A Kansas resident with $75,000 of taxable income pays about $4,098 in state income tax. Of Kansas's 4 neighboring states, 4 would tax that income less and 0 would tax it more -- Kansas is the most expensive state in its region on this measure.
Frequently Asked Questions -- Kansas Income Tax
Does Kansas have a state income tax?
Yes. Kansas imposes a state income tax with a top marginal rate of 5.58%. This is separate from your federal income tax obligation.
What is the Kansas income tax rate for 2026?
Kansas uses a graduated income tax system with rates from 5.2% to 5.58%. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate -- not your entire income.
Do I have to file a Kansas state tax return?
Most full-year Kansas residents with income above the state filing threshold must file a state return. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue for current thresholds and requirements.
How accurate is this estimate?
The federal figure uses the official IRS 2026 brackets and standard deduction. The Kansas figure applies the 2026 single-filer rate schedule to the same taxable income; it does not model Kansas-specific deductions, exemptions, credits, or local income taxes, so treat it as a planning number and confirm with the Kansas Department of Revenue or a tax professional before filing.
How does Kansas compare with nearby states?
On $75,000 of taxable income, Kansas collects about $4,098. Colorado collects $3,300, Missouri collects $3,349, Oklahoma collects $3,374, Nebraska collects $3,422. See the comparison table above.
Where does Kansas rank on state income tax?
Kansas's top rate of 5.58% ranks #19 of the 41 states with an income tax, against a median top rate of 5.2%. Its combined sales tax of 8.68% ranks #9 of 50.
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
Yes. It estimates your 2026 federal income tax using the official IRS 2026 brackets, then applies the Kansas rate schedule to the same taxable income and shows both figures plus the combined total.
Where can I find official Kansas tax forms?
Official forms, instructions, and filing guidance are available at the Kansas Department of Revenue.
What is the sales tax rate in Kansas?
Kansas's combined state and average local sales tax rate is 8.68%. This is separate from income tax and applies to most retail purchases -- use our sales tax calculator to check a specific purchase.
When are Kansas 2026 state taxes due?
2026 taxes are generally filed in 2027. The Kansas filing deadline is April 15, 2027, the same as the federal deadline.
Understanding Your Kansas Tax Estimate
Your results combine two separate bills: federal tax owed to the IRS, and Kansas state tax owed to the Kansas Department of Revenue. The state return is filed separately from your federal Form 1040, with a state filing deadline of April 15. For the mechanics of how bracket math actually works -- why your effective rate is almost always lower than your top bracket -- see our marginal vs. effective tax rate guide.
Lowering Your Kansas Bill
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce your federal and Kansas taxable income in the same move -- see our 401(k) contribution limits and HSA limits guides for the current caps. Beyond that, Kansas-specific credits and deductions that don't exist at the federal level are listed at the Kansas Department of Revenue -- worth checking, since these are easy to miss if you only look at federal guidance.
Combined Sales + Income Tax Picture
Kansas's combined state-plus-average-local sales tax rate is 8.68%. If you're self-employed, that's an added layer on top of income tax -- our self-employment tax calculator covers the SE-specific piece separately.
Disclaimer: Estimates for educational purposes only. State tax results are approximations based on published bracket data and do not account for all deductions, credits, exemptions, local taxes, or individual situations. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult the Kansas Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.