There’s a chance you may not be paying property taxes by 2028 if a bill in the Kansas Senate gets passed and then signed by Governor Laura Kelly.
That won’t get you from paying the state in another way.
Senate Bill 488 would amend the Kansas Constitution to say no property in the state will face a property tax amount after New Year’s Eve 2027. However, the Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act would also lead to a Kansas Fair Share Purchase Surcharge that would start New Year’s Day 2028 — and would go on every retail purchase. Groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices, rent, mortgage, motor fuel and utility payments would be exempt, but other purchases of up to $20 would have a 7.6 percent surcharge. Purchases of $20 or more would have a flat surcharge of $1.60 per final bill. Proceeds would be split among several entities: 48 percent to school districts, 35 percent to cities, counties and other taxing subdivisions, 12 percent to the state general fund and 5 percent to a new property tax freedom reserve fund.
Initial discussions will happen in the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
Residents are currently in between the state’s property tax payment deadlines. First-half payments were due Dec. 20. Second-half payments are due May 10.
