Kansas has a simple progressive state income tax structure with rates ranging from 5.2% to 5.58% for the 2024 tax year (the taxes you’ll file in 2025).
The total amount of taxes you owe to Kansas depends on several things. Your filing status determines your tax bracket and the amount of your standard deduction. As your income increases, you may move into a higher tax bracket. However, deductions, exemptions, and credits could lower your taxable income.
This guide will help you understand how Kansas state income tax works, what influences your tax liability, and how you can make the most of available deductions and credits to minimize your tax bill.
*Note you are still responsible for federal taxes if you meet the IRS income filing threshold. This article addresses state-specific taxes only.
Table of Contents
Kansas state income tax ratesWhat is the standard deduction in Kansas?Who has to file Kansas state income tax?Other income tax considerations in KansasTalk to a tax expert for freeCommon Kansas state tax creditsHow to file Kansas state income taxKansas state income tax rates
Kansas uses a straightforward system with two tax brackets based on your taxable income and filing status. Tax rates for the 2024 tax year are:
| Filing Status | If Your Taxable Income Is: | Your Tax Is: |
| Married Filing Joint | $46,000 or less | 5.2% |
| More than $46,000 | $2,392 plus 5.58% of excess over $46,000 | |
| All Other Statuses | $23,000 or less | 5.2% |
| More than $23,000 | $1,196 plus 5.58% of excess over $23,000 |
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue
For the 2024 tax year, Kansas state income tax returns are due by April 15, 2025, the same date your federal taxes are due. Meeting this deadline ensures you avoid penalties and late fees.
Explore the following sections to see how these rates apply to your filing status, income level, and specific situation. Each has detailed charts showing tax brackets and rates for married, single, and other filing statuses.
What is the standard deduction in Kansas?
States offer standard deductions to reduce your taxable income and are used if the amount exceeds the total of your itemized deductions. Itemized deductions are specific expenses you can subtract from your taxable income, and include such items as mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable donations.
For 2024, the Kansas standard deduction amounts are:
- Single filers: $3,605
- Married filing jointly: $8,240
- Head of household: $6,180
- Married filing separate: $4,120
Example: Imagine you’re a single filer with $3,000 in itemized deductions, broken into $1,500 in charitable donations and $1,500 in mortgage interest. Since the Kansas standard deduction for single filers is $3,605, you’d take the standard deduction since it would be a greater reduction to your taxable income. However, if your itemized deductions totaled $4,000, you’d choose to itemize instead.
Kansas also offers a personal exemption in 2024 of $18,320 for married filing jointly and $9,160 for all other filers. There is an additional exemption of $2,320 for each dependent on the return.
Who has to file Kansas state income tax?
Kansas residents need to file a state income tax return if they file a federal return, or if their Kansas income is more than their standard deduction and exemptions. A Kansas resident is anyone who lives in Kansas or plans to return after being away temporarily.
Nonresidents who earn income from Kansas—such as wages or rental income—must also file. Filing your taxes ensures you stay compliant with Kansas tax laws and can claim any refunds or credits you’re eligible for.
How Kansas residency impacts tax filing
Kansas recognizes four residency statuses for tax purposes: resident, nonresident, part-year resident, and Native American Indian. Understanding your status is important, as it determines your tax obligations. The following chart outlines each status, its definition, and how Kansas taxes income accordingly:
| Residency status | Definition | How Kansas taxes income |
| Resident | Lives in Kansas, regardless of employment location; includes those temporarily away with intent to return. | Taxed on all income, regardless of source. |
| Nonresident | Does not live in Kansas during the tax year. | Taxed only on income from Kansas sources. |
| Part-year resident | Lived in Kansas for part of the tax year. | Taxed on all income while a resident and Kansas-source income while a nonresident. |
| Native American Indian | A tribal member residing and earning income on their reservation. | Exempt from Kansas tax if income is earned on their reservation and is exempt federally. |
Other income tax considerations in Kansas
Kansas has unique rules for various types of income. Here’s how they are treated for state tax purposes:
- Retirement and pension income: Military, railroad, Federal Civil Service Retirement, and Kansas state pensions are not taxed. Private retirement income, such as individual retirement account (IRA) and 401(k) distributions, is taxable.
- Investment income: Capital gains are taxed at the same rate as personal income.
- Social Security income: Social Security benefits are fully exempt from Kansas income tax.
- Military income: Military service pay is taxable only by your home state of record, typically where you lived at the time of your military induction. For example, if your military home of record is Kansas, you must file a Kansas income tax return—even if you were not stationed in Kansas during the tax year. Kansas exempts the income from non-military spouses if they live in Kansas due to military orders. Income from Kansas sources earned by nonresident servicemembers is still subject to Kansas tax.
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Common Kansas state tax credits
Here’s a quick reference chart outlining some key credits for Kansas taxpayers.
| Tax credit | Description | Amount |
| Food Sales Tax Credit | Refundable credit for eligible individuals to offset food sales tax. | Up to $125 per person. |
| Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Refundable credit for low-income residents based on federal EITC. | 17% of federal EITC; maximum federal credit is $7,830 for 2024 tax year. |
| Angel Investor Credit | Nonrefundable credit for cash investments in qualifying Kansas businesses. | Up to 50% of investment. |
| Eisenhower Foundation Credit | Credit for contributions to the Eisenhower Foundation. | Up to 50% of contribution |
| Low Income Student Scholarship Credit | Credit for donations to the low-income student scholarship fund. | Up to 75% of contribution. |
| Teacher Classroom Supplies Credit | Credit for public school teachers purchasing classroom supplies. | Up to $250. |
Note: For a full list of Kansas income tax credits, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
How to file Kansas state income tax
Filing your Kansas state income taxes doesn’t need to be stressful. Whether you’re filing as a resident, nonresident, or part-year resident, TurboTax is here to simplify the process.
We’ll help uncover every deduction and credit you’re eligible for, from food sales tax credits to education-related credits. With TurboTax, you’ll be confident knowing your return is accurate and you’re getting the biggest refund possible. Looking for more support? Local tax experts in Kansas can answer your tax questions or even handle the filing for you.