Kansas sales tax at a glance
| Type of tax | Sales and use tax |
|---|---|
| State rate | 6.5% |
| Local rates | Average 2.21%, highest 4.25% |
| Average combined rate | 8.71% |
| Groceries | No state tax; local appliesThe state rate on food and food ingredients has been 0% since 1 January 2025. Local sales taxes still apply; prepared food pays the full rate. |
| Prescription drugs | ExemptPrescription drugs are exempt. Over-the-counter drugs are taxed at the full rate. |
| Clothing | TaxedClothing is taxed at the full combined rate. Kansas has no sales tax holiday. |
Local averages are population-weighted figures from the Tax Foundation: State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of 1 July 2026). They are a guide, not the rate at any one address. For the exact rate where you buy, use the Kansas Department of Revenue sales and use tax rate locator.
Worked examples
$160 of groceries at the average local rate
| Rate | 0% grocery + 2.21% local = 2.21% |
|---|---|
| Price before tax | $160.00 |
| Sales tax | $3.54 |
| Total | $163.54 |
Working: $160.00 × 2.21% = $3.54. Groceries now pay only local tax. Before 2023 the state alone charged 6.5% on food, so the same bill would have cost about $10 more.
Working back from a $108.71 total at the 8.71% average
| Rate | 6.5% state + 2.21% local = 8.71% |
|---|---|
| Price before tax | $100.00 |
| Sales tax | $8.71 |
| Total | $108.71 |
Working back: $108.71 ÷ 1.0871 = $100.00, so the tax was $8.71. Dividing by 1.0871 gives a $100 price. Use the state rate locator to find the exact local rate for your city.
The end of the state grocery tax
Kansas phased out its state sales tax on food and food ingredients over three years, and the state rate reached 0% on 1 January 2025. City and county sales taxes were not removed, so a grocery bill is still taxed at your full local rate, often 2% to 3%. Prepared food, such as hot deli items and restaurant meals, is taxed at the full combined rate.
Local rates and sourcing
Kansas cities and counties each levy their own sales taxes, and some special districts add more, so rates differ from town to town. Kansas is a member of the Streamlined Sales Tax agreement and uses destination sourcing: delivered goods are taxed at the rate where the buyer receives them. The Department of Revenue publishes a rate locator for addresses and a list of local rates. Kansas does not hold a sales tax holiday.
Kansas vs. neighboring states
| State | State rate | Avg. combined | Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 6.5% | 8.71% | No state tax; local applies |
| Nebraska | 5.5% | 6.98% | Exempt |
| Missouri | 4.225% | 8.44% | 1.225% state + full local |
| Oklahoma | 4.5% | 9.06% | No state tax; local applies |
| Colorado | 2.9% | 7.89% | No state tax; local varies |
Average combined rates are from the Tax Foundation, midyear 2026 report. See sales tax rates for every state for the full table.