If you lived or worked in Kansas during 2016 and didn’t file your state income tax return, this guide is for you. Many residents are surprised to learn they can still submit a late Kansas tax return, primarily if they’re owed a refund or need to resolve an outstanding issue. Filing now can help you avoid further penalties and provide you with access to state credits or overpaid taxes from that year.
Late filing can result in added interest, collection notices, or a delay in receiving money owed to you. Even if you earned very little in 2016, you may still need to file to claim a refund or document your status with the Kansas Department of Revenue. This article explains who must file, how to get the proper Kansas tax forms, and how to complete, sign, and submit your return—whether on paper or through approved electronic options.
We’ll also walk you through each step of the filing process, including gathering documents, calculating your 2016 income tax, applying credits, and understanding where to file. Whether you’re preparing as an individual, part-year resident, or sole proprietor, you’ll find clear, up-to-date instructions to help you confidently prepare your return. Let’s begin by looking at who was required to file a Kansas tax return for the 2016 tax year.
If you lived in Kansas during 2016, you may still be required to file a tax return, even if you had little or no taxable income. Kansas filing requirements are based on your residency status, gross income, filing status, and age. Some individuals must also file a tax return to claim a refund, even if they do not owe any taxes.
You were required to file a Kansas return in 2016 if your gross income equaled or exceeded the following limits:
You may need to file a Kansas tax return for 2016 even if your income was below the thresholds:
Filing a late return helps you update your records with the Kansas Department of Revenue and may help you avoid future penalties. The following section will examine how the 2016 tax law changes may impact your return.
Several policy changes impacted how Kansas taxpayers needed to file their 2016 income tax returns. While the basic filing structure remained consistent, updates to exemptions, deductions, and credit eligibility rules affected who should file and how much they might owe or be refunded. Understanding these changes can help you avoid errors, answer common questions, and ensure you pay only what is necessary.
For the 2016 tax year, Kansas implemented an exclusion for low-income taxpayers. If you were single, head of household, with a taxable income of $5,000 or less, or married, filing jointly with $12,500 or less, your state tax liability was zero. However, you were still required to file a return to claim this benefit.
In 2016, Kansas required all individuals claiming tax credits to have a valid Social Security Number for the whole tax year. This rule applies to the primary filer, spouse (if filing jointly), and any dependents listed for credit purposes. Credits affected by this requirement include the earned income credit, food sales tax credit, and credits for taxes paid to other states.
Kansas adjusted how itemized deductions were calculated on state returns. For 2016:
Kansas extended two key tax credits through 2021: the Angel Investor Credit (Form K-30) and the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Credit, which must be filed electronically. The state continued to exempt income from pass-through entities like sole proprietorships and partnerships. Even if this income was exempt, filers still needed to report it on their Kansas income tax return.
Tip: If you moved from another state, such as Texas, and earned Kansas income, you may need to file a part-year resident return using Schedule S. If eligible, you can file for free through Kansas WebFile.
These updates highlight the importance of using the proper forms and credit schedules when filing your 2016 return.
Before you begin the filing process, gathering the correct Kansas tax forms for your situation is essential. Whether you’re filing as an individual, claiming state credits, or reporting business income, using the proper documents will help you avoid delays and ensure your return is complete. All official forms can be downloaded from the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Most individuals will file their 2016 income tax return using Form K-40, the standard Kansas income tax form. If your return includes additions, subtractions, or itemized deductions, you’ll also need Schedule S. To submit a payment, include Form K-40V, the payment voucher.
You can access these forms directly at the Kansas Department of Revenue’s official archive:
You must attach the appropriate credit form to qualify for Kansas tax credits. These may include:
A complete list of 2016 credit forms is available through the Kansas tax credits page.
Sole proprietors and small business owners will typically still file using Form K-40, but with additional attachments based on entity type:
Using the correct tax forms ensures your return reflects your full financial activity and helps you avoid IRS-related issues. Next, we’ll guide you through completing Form K-40 for 2016.
Completing your 2016 Kansas tax return starts with Form K-40, the main form for individual filers. Below, we’ve broken the process into clear steps aligned with the structure of the form. Ensure you have your 2016 tax return, W-2s, 1099s, and other proof of income. You'll also need your Social Security Number, bank info for direct deposit, and any documentation for credits or deductions.
Completing Form K-40 accurately ensures your return reflects all income, deductions, and credits for the 2016 tax year. Next, we’ll explain how to file your return electronically or by mail and help you choose the best method for your needs.
Once you’ve completed Form K-40 and gathered all required schedules and documents, the next step is to file your income tax return for Kansas. Kansas allows taxpayers to file by paper or electronically; each method has benefits depending on your preferences, timeline, and filing history.
Filing electronically is typically the fastest and most accurate method to submit your income tax return. You’ll usually receive your refund faster, reducing the risk of errors or missing information. Kansas offers several options for e-filing:
E-filing is especially helpful if you expect a refund or want to track your return easily.
If you prefer to file your Kansas tax return for 2016 by mail, you must print and complete Form K-40 and all required schedules. Include all W-2s, 1099s, and supporting documents. Double-check your math, ensure every page is signed, and avoid using staples or paper clips.
Use the correct mailing address based on your payment status:
Tip: Always keep a copy of your complete income tax return for your records. If you are mailing your tax return, consider using certified mail to confirm delivery.
If you owe Kansas income tax for 2016, there are several ways to pay what you owe and avoid additional penalties or interest. Whether you're submitting full payment with your income tax return or need more time, the Kansas Department of Revenue offers flexible options to help you manage your balance.
Kansas allows you to make payments by electronic transfer, credit card, or paper check. All payments should reference Form K-40 and include identifying details such as your name, Social Security Number, and tax year.
Never send cash or staple your payment to your tax forms.
If you cannot pay your full balance with your return, you may request a payment plan:
You can also call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-368-8222 to request a plan by phone. Setting up a plan early can help reduce interest and avoid enforced collection actions.
In the next section, we’ll show you how to track the status of your tax return, refund, or any remaining balance due for 2016.
After you file your Kansas tax return, you must check whether you’re owed a refund or have a balance due. To check your refund status, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue page or call 1-800-894-0318. You’ll need your Social Security Number and the refund amount on your return. Refunds for electronically filed returns are typically processed within 2 to 3 weeks, while paper returns may take up to 16 weeks.
If you want to review your tax balance, past payments, or payment plan status, log in to the Kansas Customer Service Center. This online portal lets you view outstanding balances, confirm that your income tax payments have been applied correctly, and keep your tax return records updated. Regularly checking your account helps you stay current with any remaining obligations and avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.
Prior to submitting your 2016 Kansas tax return, please take a few moments to review everything for accuracy. Even a small mistake can delay your refund or result in penalties.
Ensure you have all your documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and your 2016 federal IRS return. Double-check that your name, Social Security Number, and filing status match your federal return. If you qualify for credits—such as the food sales tax credit or earned income credit—complete the necessary schedules, like Schedule S or credit-specific forms.
Check your math carefully and make sure your return is signed. If you’re filing jointly, both spouses must sign. Include your phone number if the Department of Revenue needs to contact you. Attach all required forms, including wage documents and Form K-40V if you’re sending a payment. Please ensure you use the correct mailing address for paper filings or verify the successful submission of electronic filings. Always keep a full copy of your return for your records.
Reviewing these steps helps ensure your income tax return is accurate, complete, and ready for processing.
You can still file your 2016 Kansas tax return, even if you missed the original deadline. There’s no penalty for filing late if you're due a refund. However, penalties may apply if you owe taxes, interest, and late filing fees. File as soon as possible to stop additional charges and keep your account current.
If you filed a Kansas return in the past three years, you could use Kansas WebFile to e-file your 2016 return for free. You may also be able to file through IRS e-File software or a tax professional who supports prior-year returns. Be sure to have all your documents and the correct Kansas tax forms.
Sole proprietors report business income on their Kansas tax returns using Form K-40. However, you may need to include Schedule S to adjust business income. A separate entity return (K-120S or K-120) may be required if your business is an S corporation or partnership.
Commonly missed deductions include 100% charitable contributions and 50% qualified mortgage interest and property taxes, as reported on federal Schedule A. These adjustments apply only to itemized deductions claimed on the Kansas return and must be entered using Schedule S.
Keep a copy of your 2016 income tax return and all supporting documents for at least three years. If you claimed a refund or made changes later, keep records for at least seven years. Business owners may need to retain documents longer, especially for deductions or depreciation claims.
You may qualify for the food sales tax credit if you have been a Kansas resident all year and meet income, age, or disability requirements. Complete Lines A–H on the front of Form K-40 to calculate the credit. You must file a 2016 tax return to receive this benefit.