Retiring in Kansas: how your income is taxed
Kansas is less tax-friendly for retirees. On a typical retirement income it ranks #45 of 51 for the lowest state income tax.
The rules in Kansas
- Social Security: Since tax year 2024 (SB 1, 2024 special session), Social Security is fully exempt at all income levels. The old $75,000 AGI cap was removed.
- Pensions: Private pensions are fully taxed. KPERS, federal civil service, military and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt.
- 401(k), 403(b) and IRA withdrawals: 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are fully taxable.
- At 65 and older: Filers 65 or older add $850 to the standard deduction ($700 per spouse on a joint return).
Calculate your Kansas retirement taxes
State income tax in Kansas: $1,385 a year
In Kansas, the 401(k)/IRA amount counts as IRA withdrawals, which don't qualify for the pension exclusion. Enter withdrawals from employer plans such as a 401(k) or 403(b) as pension.
In Kansas you'd pay about $1,385 in state income tax and $4,336 in federal income tax on $70,000 of retirement income, keeping $64,279 (8.2% total).
Kansas ranks #45 of 51 for the lowest state tax on this income. 19 states charge no state income tax on this income.
What retirees pay in Kansas
| Retirement income | State tax (single) | State tax (married) | Federal tax (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $24,000 Social Security, $12,000 401(k)/IRA | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $30,000 Social Security, $20,000 pension, $20,000 401(k)/IRA | $1,385 | $626 | $4,336 |
| $40,000 Social Security, $40,000 pension, $50,000 401(k)/IRA, $10,000 other income | $4,733 | $3,845 | $19,812 |
Age 67 or older, 2026 rules including the federal senior deduction. For married couples, income is the household total and both spouses are 67 or older. State estimates apply Kansas's main exclusions and may differ for income-tested credits.
States with lower retirement taxes
Moving to Kansas in retirement?
Compare the tax on your Social Security, pension and 401(k)/IRA income, and typical living costs, with the state you'd leave. These are the states most households moving to Kansas come from (IRS migration data, 2022–2023).
- Missouri to Kansas
- Texas to Kansas
- Colorado to Kansas
- Oklahoma to Kansas
- California to Kansas
- Florida to Kansas
Frequently asked questions
Does Kansas tax Social Security?
Not taxed. Since tax year 2024 (SB 1, 2024 special session), Social Security is fully exempt at all income levels. The old $75,000 AGI cap was removed.
Does Kansas tax pensions?
Taxed. Private pensions are fully taxed. KPERS, federal civil service, military and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt.
Does Kansas tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?
Taxed. 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are fully taxable.
Is Kansas a good state to retire for taxes?
For a single retiree with $30,000 Social Security, $20,000 pension, $20,000 401(k)/IRA, Kansas charges about $1,385 in state income tax, ranking #45 of 51 (lowest tax first).
Related
Sources: ksrevenue.gov, ksrevenue.gov (2). Rules reviewed . Some 2026 amounts were not yet published or sources differed; confirm with the state revenue department.