While filing your 2017 Kansas tax return may seem obsolete, many individuals and small business owners still need to complete or amend their returns from that year. Whether catching up on missed filings or correcting a previously submitted return, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process clearly and confidently.
This article explains who needs to file a 2017 Kansas state income tax return, which forms to use, and how to submit them by mail or online. It covers essential changes to the tax law that took effect in 2017, outlines what documents you'll need, and provides practical instructions to help you avoid delays or errors.
Even if the original filing deadline has passed, it's not too late to file your 2017 return or claim a refund. If you're unsure where to start or need support with paperwork, help is available through the Kansas Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.
Filing a 2017 Kansas tax return may still be required even years after the original deadline if you meet certain income thresholds or have earned income from Kansas sources. Whether you're a full-year resident, part-year resident, or nonresident, Kansas tax laws determine your filing responsibility based on your status and total income during the 2017 tax year.
Kansas residents must file a 2017 tax return if they meet any of the following conditions:
The minimum income thresholds for filing depend on your filing status, age, and whether you were blind in 2017:
Single Filers:
Married Filing Jointly:
Head of Household:
Married Filing Separately:
If you lived outside Kansas for part or all of 2017 but earned income from a Kansas source, you may still need to file a Kansas state income tax return:
Either way, you must properly complete Schedule S to allocate income between Kansas and other states.
Kansas's income tax laws changed a lot for the 2017 tax year, which affects how residents and small business owners file their taxes. If you’re completing or amending a return from that year, it’s essential to understand the changes before you fill out your Kansas tax forms.
In 2017, Kansas implemented a new income tax structure with three brackets. The rates depend on your filing status and total taxable income:
You can download the 2017 tax table PDF or find Form K-40 and instructions here for complete details.
Previously, Kansas allowed some pass-through business owners to exclude non-wage business income. That exemption was repealed in 2017. Now, sole proprietors and S corporation owners must report all income and losses on federal Schedules C, E, and F.
This change may affect how you report income and calculate tax liability on your 2017 return.
Another key change affected those who had a federal net operating loss. As of 2017, Kansas no longer requires taxpayers to add back NOL deductions to their KS return. This simplifies adjustments and may reduce your tax bill.
If unsure how to proceed, sign in to your Kansas Department of Revenue account or speak with a qualified tax professional for guidance.
To accurately file your 2017 Kansas tax return, you must gather the proper Kansas tax forms based on your income, residency, and deductions. The specific forms you need depend on your filing situation, credits, and whether you're making a payment.
These forms are required for nearly all individual filers in Kansas:
Depending on your specific tax situation, you may also need the following forms:
Complete all forms, sign them correctly, and include them in your return before filing. You can find and download the complete set of 2017 Kansas tax forms online or request paper copies directly from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Filing your 2017 Kansas tax return accurately starts with a clear plan. This section walks you through each step in the filing process, from organizing your documents to reviewing your final numbers. Taking time and following the correct order can help avoid common errors and delays.
Before filling out your forms, collect all documents related to your income and deductions. These records will support the entries on your return and reduce the risk of errors or missing information.
Income documents may include:
Deduction-related records may include:
It’s also a beneficial idea to have a copy of your 2017 federal tax return and, if applicable, your prior year’s Kansas return.
The top portion of Form K-40 asks for basic identifying details. This includes:
Be sure all Social Security numbers are correct and written. This information is used to verify your identity and process refunds or payments.
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) begins with the amount reported on your federal tax return. This number is entered on Line 1 of Form K-40.
If you have income adjustments specific to Kansas, such as tax-exempt income or additions like certain deductions from your federal return, you must report them on Schedule S, Part A. After applying these adjustments, you’ll calculate your Kansas adjusted gross income and enter it on Line 3.
Next, determine your deduction amount and exemption allowance to reduce your taxable income.
Standard deduction amounts for 2017:
If you or your spouse were age 65 or older or blind, you may add $850 for each qualifying condition. If you are married and filing separately, the additional amount is $700 per condition. You can choose to itemize deductions instead, but you must calculate both options to see which provides the most significant benefit.
After calculating your deduction, move on to your exemption allowance. Multiply the total number of exemptions (yourself, spouse, and dependents) by $2,250. Head of household filers can claim an additional exemption. Enter these totals on Lines 4 and 5, then add them together on Line 6.
Subtract your total deductions (Line 6) from your Kansas adjusted gross income (Line 3). If the result is negative, enter zero. This amount becomes your taxable income.
To determine your tax liability, use the tax tables provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue if your income is below $100,000. Use the Tax Computation Worksheet included in the instructions for income above that threshold.
If you are a nonresident or part-year resident, you’ll use Schedule S, Part B, to determine what portion of your income is taxable by Kansas.
Kansas offers several credits that reduce the amount of tax you owe. Common examples include:
List these credits on Lines 13 through 18 of Form K-40 and include the necessary schedules (such as K-30 through K-89) to support your claims.
You may owe use tax if you made purchases from out-of-state retailers that did not charge Kansas sales tax. This applies to online purchases, furniture, electronics, or appliances. Use the worksheet in the K-40 instructions to estimate the tax or apply your local rate to your total untaxed purchases.
Enter this amount in line 19 of your return.
To finish, report the total of your tax payments, including:
Subtract your total payments from the total tax due. If you paid more than you owe, the result is your refund. If you owe more than you paid, include the remaining balance with your return. Double-check your direct deposit or payment information for accuracy before finalizing your return.
After completing your 2017 Kansas income tax return, you can file it electronically or by mail. Choose the option that best fits your situation and comfort level.
Kansas WebFile is a free tool provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue. It allows eligible taxpayers to submit their return online without needing third-party software.
Electronic filing offers several benefits:
You’ll need your Social Security number and key details from your 2017 Form K-40. Not all filers qualify, so review WebFile’s eligibility rules.
If you file by mail, print the correct form and complete it by hand or using approved software. Be sure the return is signed and dated and includes all required schedules.
Mail it to:
Kansas Department of Revenue
PO Box 750260
Topeka, KS 66675-0260
Paper returns typically take 8–12 weeks to process. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
If your 2017 Kansas tax return shows a balance due, you can pay your taxes using several approved methods. The Kansas Department of Revenue accepts online payments and traditional mail-in options to accommodate different preferences.
The fastest and most secure way to pay is through the Kansas Tax Payment Portal. You can use:
To use the portal correctly, you must enter your Social Security number and the correct tax year (2017). Once your payment is processed, you'll get a confirmation. With this option, you can file and pay for things in one place, which is helpful if you already have a WebFile account.
If you prefer to mail your payment:
Follow the directions on the K-40 form and send your payment to the address given. Remember to avoid sending cash.
Interest and penalties apply if you do not pay by the deadline of April 17, 2018. Kansas charges 1% per month on the unpaid balance and a maximum penalty of 24%. Interest rates are updated annually on the Department of Revenue’s website.
After filing your 2017 Kansas tax return, you can track the status of your refund or any remaining balance using tools provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue. Staying informed ensures you can follow up quickly if anything needs attention.
To check the status of your refund, use the state’s online tracking tool. You’ll need three key pieces of information:
The system will match this information against your return and provide the current processing stage. For those who filed a paper return, allow 8–12 weeks before checking the status.
Call the department directly if you have a problem with your refund or need to know about a tax account balance. You can use their secure messaging system, call their helpline, or access your account through their online Customer Service Center.
Always have a copy of your filed form available when reaching out, as it helps verify your identity and resolve issues faster.
Before submitting your 2017 Kansas tax return, take a moment to confirm that all forms, documents, and payment details are complete and accurate. This final review helps prevent delays and ensures your return is processed without errors.
If you didn’t file your 2017 Kansas tax return by the original deadline, you should file as soon as possible. Late returns may still be accepted, but penalties and interest apply. Kansas charges a 5% late filing penalty and monthly interest on unpaid balances. Filing now may help reduce those costs and prevent additional enforcement action.
Yes, you may still be able to file your 2017 Kansas tax return electronically using Kansas WebFile, depending on your eligibility. WebFile supports prior-year filings for qualified individuals. If you are not eligible to e-file, you can print and mail the completed forms. Always verify that your information matches your original tax account details.
If Social Security benefits were your only source of income in 2017, you likely do not need to file a Kansas tax return. Kansas does not tax Social Security income for most residents. However, if you had other income sources or federal filing requirements, you may still be required to file.
To amend your 2017 return, complete a new Form K-40 and check the box for “Amended Return” on the form. Include any revised schedules and explain the changes. You have three years from the original due date to claim a refund, or 180 days after a federal change.
Yes, you can file jointly for 2017 if you were married and one spouse moved during the year. You must complete Schedule S to allocate income for the part-year Kansas resident. Make sure your federal filing status matches your Kansas return.
Commonly missed deductions and credits include the Food Sales Tax Credit, itemized medical expense deductions, and tax credits paid to other states. Filers may overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit or attach required schedules. Review all forms carefully to ensure nothing is missed.