Kansas retirement taxes at a glance (2026)
| State income tax | Graduated, top rate 5.58%Kansas has two brackets: 5.2% on taxable income up to $23,000 ($46,000 joint) and 5.58% above that. |
|---|---|
| Social Security | Not taxedSince 2024 Kansas exempts all Social Security benefits, with no income limit. |
| Pensions | TaxedPrivate pensions are taxed as regular income with no age-based exclusion. |
| 401(k) and IRA withdrawals | TaxedIRA and 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as regular income. |
| Government pensions | Not taxedPensions from federal, Kansas state and Kansas local governments are generally exempt. |
| Military retirement pay | Not taxedU.S. military retirement benefits are not taxed. |
| Estate tax | No |
| Inheritance tax | No |
| Property tax help for seniors | Homeowners 65+ can claim a property tax refund on Form K-40SVR; for 2025 the income limit is $58,041 and the home value limit is $350,000. |
| Sales tax | State sales tax is 6.5%; combined rates average about 8.78%. |
Recent changes and good to know
- 2024 Special Session SB 1 cut brackets from three to two, lowered the top rate from 5.7% to 5.58%, and fully exempted Social Security.
How to lower your retirement taxes in Kansas
- Mix your income sources. Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free at the federal level and generally in Kansas too, so a Roth conversion before retirement can cut state tax later. Try the Roth conversion calculator.
- Watch federal Medicare costs. Large IRA withdrawals can raise your Medicare premiums. Check the 2026 IRMAA brackets.
- Think about your heirs. See what your IRA will really cost your family with the Family Tax Rate calculator.
- Comparing states? These have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kansas tax retirement income?
Partly: Kansas exempts Social Security, military and public pensions but fully taxes private pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s.
Does Kansas tax Social Security?
Since 2024 Kansas exempts all Social Security benefits, with no income limit.
Does Kansas tax pensions?
Private pensions are taxed as regular income with no age-based exclusion.
Does Kansas tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?
IRA and 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as regular income.
Does Kansas tax military retirement pay?
U.S. military retirement benefits are not taxed.
Sources (last verified 2026)
- Kansas State Tax Guide — AARP (2026-03-17)
- State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026 — Tax Foundation (2026-02-17)
- Retirement Taxes: How All 50 States Tax Retirees — Kiplinger (2026)
Educational content only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Plans and tax laws change; confirm details with your employer's plan documents or your state revenue department. Smart Financial Lifestyle is not affiliated with any employer named on this site.