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.

Who Needs to File a 2017 Kansas Tax Return?

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

Kansas residents must file a 2017 tax return if they meet any of the following conditions:

  • You were required to file a federal income tax return for 2017.

  • Your Kansas adjusted gross income exceeded the total of your standard deduction and exemption allowance.

  • You want to claim a refund of Kansas state income tax withheld, even if your income was below the minimum filing requirement.

The minimum income thresholds for filing depend on your filing status, age, and whether you were blind in 2017:

Single Filers:

  • Under age 65: $5,250 or more in gross income

  • Age 65+ or blind: $6,100 or more

  • Age 65+ and blind: $6,950 or more

Married Filing Jointly:

  • Both spouses under 65: $12,000 or more

  • One spouse age 65+ or blind: $12,700 or more

  • Both spouses are age 65+ or blind: $13,400 or more.

Head of Household:

  • Under age 65: $10,000 or more

  • Age 65+ or blind: $10,850 or more

  • Age 65+ and blind: $11,700 or more

Married Filing Separately:

  • Under age 65: $6,000 or more

  • Age 65+ or blind: $6,700 or more

  • Age 65+ and blind: $7,400 or more

Nonresidents and Part-Year Residents

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:

  • Nonresidents must file a claim if they have earned any income from Kansas sources, such as wages, self-employment income, or rental property in the state.

  • Part-year residents must file if they resided in Kansas for any portion of 2017 and had income during that time.

Either way, you must properly complete Schedule S to allocate income between Kansas and other states.

What were the Kansas income tax law changes for the year 2017?

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.

New Three-Bracket Tax System

In 2017, Kansas implemented a new income tax structure with three brackets. The rates depend on your filing status and total taxable income:

  • Married Filing Jointly:


    • 2.9% on income up to $30,000

    • 4.9% on income between $30,001 and $60,000

    • 5.2% on income over $60,000

  • All Other Filing Statuses:


    • 2.9% on income up to $15,000

    • 4.9% on income between $15,001 and $30,000

    • 5.2% on income over $30,000

You can download the 2017 tax table PDF or find Form K-40 and instructions here for complete details.

Repealed Business Income Exemption

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.

Net Operating Loss (NOL) Changes

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.

Forms You’ll Need to File: 2017 Kansas Tax Forms

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.

Core Kansas Tax Forms for Most Filers

These forms are required for nearly all individual filers in Kansas:

  • Form K-40—Kansas Individual Income Tax Return:
    This is the main form used to report income, deductions, and credits. All filers must complete and sign this form before submission.

  • Schedule S – Supplemental Schedule:
    This schedule must report income modifications, claim itemized deductions, or allocate income if you are a part-year or nonresident filer. Review all parts of the form to ensure accuracy.

Additional Kansas Tax Forms for Specific Situations

Depending on your specific tax situation, you may also need the following forms:

  • Form K-40V – Payment Voucher:
    Use this template if you're sending a check or money order to pay your tax balance. Write your Social Security number and the tax year clearly on the payment.

  • Schedule K-210 – Underpayment of Estimated Tax:
    This form calculates any penalties for not paying enough tax throughout the year.

  • Credit Schedules (K-30 through K-89):
    You'll need the appropriate form if you qualify for Kansas tax credits, such as the Adoption Credit or Food Sales Tax Credit.

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.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete Your Return

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.

Step 1 – Gather Required Documents

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:

  • Form W-2 from each employer

  • Form 1099-INT (interest income)

  • Form 1099-DIV (dividend income)

  • Form 1099-R (retirement distributions)

  • Schedule K-1 (partnership or S-corp income)

  • Self-employment income records

Deduction-related records may include:

  • Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)

  • Real estate or personal property tax receipts

  • Charitable donation receipts

  • Out-of-pocket medical expense summaries

  • State and local tax payment records

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.

Step 2 – Enter Personal and Filing Info

The top portion of Form K-40 asks for basic identifying details. This includes:

  • Your full legal name (as shown on your Social Security card)

  • Current mailing address

  • Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents

  • Your filing status, which must match your federal return

  • Boxes to indicate changes, such as a new address or the passing of a taxpayer

Be sure all Social Security numbers are correct and written. This information is used to verify your identity and process refunds or payments.

Step 3 – Calculate Your Adjusted Gross Income

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.

Step 4 – Claim Deductions and Exemptions

Next, determine your deduction amount and exemption allowance to reduce your taxable income.

Standard deduction amounts for 2017:

  • Single: $3,000

  • Married Filing Jointly: $7,500

  • Head of Household: $5,500

  • Married Filing Separately: $3,750

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.

Step 5 – Compute Tax Owed

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.

Step 6 – Apply Credits

Kansas offers several credits that reduce the amount of tax you owe. Common examples include:

  • Credit for taxes paid to other states —This credit is available if your income was taxed in another state.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—Kansas residents may claim 17% of the federal EITC.

  • Food Sales Tax Credit—If your income falls below certain limits, you may qualify for a refundable credit of $125 per exemption.

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.

Step 7 – Calculate Use Tax (if applicable)

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.

Step 8 – Review Refund or Balance Due

To finish, report the total of your tax payments, including:

  • Kansas income tax withheld from your W-2 or 1099

  • Estimated payments made throughout 2017

  • Extension payments (if applicable)

  • Refundable credits

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.

How to File Your Kansas Tax 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.

Option 1 – File Electronically with Kansas WebFile

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:

  • Faster refund processing

  • Immediate confirmation once your return is submitted

  • Built-in checks to help prevent common errors

  • Ability to save your account information for later use

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.

Option 2 – Mail a Paper Return

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.

How to Make a Tax Payment

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.

Online Payment Methods

The fastest and most secure way to pay is through the Kansas Tax Payment Portal. You can use:

  • Credit card – Convenience fees apply

  • Electronic check (ACH debit) – Typically, no fee

  • Direct payment scheduling – Set a future date if you file early

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.

Paying by Mail

If you prefer to mail your payment:

  • Make your check or money order payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue

  • Include your full name, Social Security number, and the tax year on the check.

  • Submit it with Form K-40V (Payment Voucher)

Follow the directions on the K-40 form and send your payment to the address given. Remember to avoid sending cash.

Late Payment Penalties and Interest

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.

How to Track Your Refund or Balance

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.

Refund Status Tool

To check the status of your refund, use the state’s online tracking tool. You’ll need three key pieces of information:

  • Your Social Security number

  • Your exact refund amount

  • Your filing status (as entered on your return)

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.

Typical Processing Timelines

  • E-filed returns with direct deposit: Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days.

  • Paper returns sent with mailed checks may take 2 to 4 weeks to process after the review begins.

  • Returns containing errors or missing documents may require additional time for processing.

Contacting the Kansas Department of Revenue

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.

Final Filing Checklist

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.

Completed Forms and Schedules

  • Ensure you complete, sign, and date Form K-40 before submitting your return.

  • Confirm that Schedule S is correctly filled out and included if you are a nonresident or part-year resident or need to report income adjustments.

  • Attach all credit schedules that apply to your situation, such as K-30 for taxes paid to other states or K-47 for adoption-related credits.

  • If you are mailing a payment, include Form K-40V with your check or money order.

Supporting Documents

  • If you are filing from an out-of-state address, include a copy of your 2017 federal tax return, as Kansas requires this for verification.

  • Provide copies of any other state tax returns if you claim a credit for taxes paid to another state.

  • Ensure all income forms, such as W-2s, 1099s, or other earnings statements, are accurate and on hand.

  • Gather and keep receipts for deductions or credits you claim, such as charitable donations or medical expenses.

Payment and Refund Details

  • Confirm that your chosen payment method is correct and matches the amount due on your return.

  • Double-check that your bank routing and account numbers are accurate if you expect a direct deposit refund.

  • Review the mailing address on your return to ensure it is current and complete, especially if you expect a paper check.

Recordkeeping

  • Save a complete copy of your Kansas tax return, including all forms and schedules, for your records.

  • If you filed electronically, keep a copy of the confirmation notice or email for your records.

  • Retain proof of tax payments, such as a cleared check, money order receipt, or electronic transaction record.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if the due date was missed on April 17, 2018?

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.

Can I still file electronically for 2017?

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. 

Do I need to file a tax return if my only source of income was Social Security benefits?

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. 

How do I amend a 2017 Kansas return?

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. 

Can I file jointly if my spouse moved mid-year?

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. 

What deductions or credits are most commonly overlooked?

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.