How Kansas compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | KS | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 2,977,220 | 34th highest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 241.4 | 33rd highest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $75,514 | 33rd highest of 50 | 7 of 12 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 3.8% | 25th lowest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 7.8% | 26th highest of 50 | 4 of 12 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the Kansas legislature | 1.33% | 37th lowest of 50 | 7 of 12 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Kansas legislature | 30 | tied 15th lowest of 50 | 4 of 12 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Kansas legislature | 3 | tied 31st highest of 50 | 6 of 12 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set Kansas apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes43 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Kansas legislature.
What's changing in Kansas
Enacted changes with a fixed effective date. Contracts, payroll and leases signed now may run past these dates.
Took effect in the last 12 months
- February 27, 2026LLC filing fee cut to $85 online; information report now every 2 yearsSource ↗
Checked against official sources on 2026-11-05.
How long you have in Kansas
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 30 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 3 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 3–5 days
- Annual report due
- April 15
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week
AI Legal Insights — Kansas
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
Kansas operates under a dual court system consisting of district courts and the Kansas Supreme Court, with a strong emphasis on statutory interpretation in civil matters. The state maintains robust consumer protection laws enforced by the Attorney General to prevent unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Kansas offers a stable business environment characterized by a low unemployment rate and a diverse economy driven by agriculture, aviation, and manufacturing. While the state maintains a moderate tax structure, businesses benefit from a predictable regulatory landscape and a central geographic location for logistics.
The immigrant population in Kansas is approximately 7.3%, contributing significantly to the state's agricultural and service sectors. While Kansas does not have state-level sanctuary laws, local municipalities vary in their approach to immigrant integration and community support programs.
- ›Ensure all real estate contracts comply with specific Kansas disclosure requirements regarding property condition.
- ›Include a clear choice-of-law clause specifying Kansas law to avoid jurisdictional uncertainty in local disputes.
- ›Verify that any non-compete clauses are narrowly tailored to comply with Kansas's strict reasonableness standards for enforceability.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
Kansas labor regulations
Kansas is an at-will employment state that follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr. The state does not mandate paid sick leave or paid family leave beyond the federal FMLA, and state law bars cities and counties from imposing their own leave or benefit mandates on private employers. Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for most employers. Kansas is also a right-to-work state.
| Law | KS Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr (mirrors federal) | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate (state law applies a 46-hour threshold only to employers not covered by the FLSA) | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | No state mandate; local mandates preempted | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No state program | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for most employers; small-payroll and some agricultural employers are exempt | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Yes, with public-policy exceptions; right-to-work state | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | By the next regular payday after separation | No federal requirement |
| Meal Breaks | None mandated for adult employees | No federal requirement |
- The Kansas Act Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, and ancestry for employers with 4+ employees; age discrimination is covered by a separate state law.
- Kansas has no statewide paid sick leave law, and state law prevents cities and counties from requiring private employers to provide paid leave.
- Kansas has no state WARN Act — only the federal WARN Act notice rules apply to mass layoffs and plant closings.
- Kansas is a right-to-work state — employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment.
- Non-compete agreements are enforceable in Kansas if reasonable in duration, geography, and scope and tied to a legitimate business interest.
- Employers cannot retaliate against employees for filing workers' compensation claims.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Kansas rental regulations
Kansas landlord-tenant law, set out in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, is relatively landlord-friendly. There is no rent control. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for unfurnished units and 1.5 months for furnished units. Landlords must return deposits within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized list of deductions. Eviction for non-payment starts with a 3-day notice.
| Topic | KS Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | Capped at 1 month's rent for unfurnished units and 1.5 months for furnished units; an additional pet deposit is allowed |
| Deposit Return | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with a written itemization of any deductions; wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to added damages |
| Rent Control | No rent control; cities and counties may not adopt it |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-day notice to pay or vacate before filing an eviction in district court |
| Eviction Notice (Lease Violation) | Written notice giving the tenant 14 days to fix the breach, or the lease ends 30 days after the notice |
| Month-to-Month Termination | At least 30 days' written notice by either party, ending on a rent due date |
| Habitability | Landlords must comply with housing codes and keep the premises fit and habitable; tenants may end the lease if serious problems are not fixed after written notice |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights |
| Late Fee | Permitted if specified in the lease; no statutory cap |
| Entry Notice | Landlord must give reasonable notice before entry, except in emergencies |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under Kansas law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
Kansas LLC formation guide
Kansas has an economy of about $241 billion, anchored by aviation manufacturing in Wichita, agriculture, and a central location that suits logistics and distribution. Forming an LLC costs $85 online ($90 on paper) since February 27, 2026, and the information report is now filed every two years ($90 online). Corporate income tax is 4% plus a surtax on higher income (4%–7% combined), and individual income tax rates are 5.2% and 5.58%.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability at sos.ks.gov
- 2File Articles of Organization with the Kansas Secretary of State online at sos.ks.gov
- 3Pay the LLC formation fee — $85 online or $90 by paper filing
- 4Designate a registered agent — must have a physical Kansas street address (no P.O. boxes)
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov; required for banking, hiring, and state tax registration
- 6Register for Kansas taxes through the Kansas Department of Revenue at ksrevenue.gov — includes sales tax, withholding tax, and any applicable business taxes
- 7File the information report every two years — $90 online, due April 15 for calendar-year filers, at sos.ks.gov
- 8Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed Articles of Organization
- 9Check local business licenses and zoning requirements with your city or county — requirements vary by municipality
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for Kansas taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in Kansas
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Immigration appointments via my.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
Free Legal Aid
Kansas legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying Kansas residents.
Before your consultation: upload your document for a free AI risk scan — understand the key issues before meeting an attorney.
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