State Line Taxes in the KC Metro: 8 Questions Commuters Ask

If you live in Overland Park and work downtown, or live in the Northland and commute to Lenexa, tax season comes with extra questions. Here are the eight I hear most from Kansas City metro commuters.

1. Do I really have to file in both states?

Usually, yes. Your home state taxes all your income, and the state where you work taxes what you earn there. Kansas and Missouri do not have a reciprocity agreement.

2. Will I be taxed twice?

Not fully. Your home state gives you a credit for income tax paid to the other state. The credit is limited, so you generally end up paying roughly the higher of the two states' tax on that income, not both added together.

3. My employer only withheld for one state. Is that a problem?

It can be. Check box 15 to 17 of your W-2. If tax was withheld only for your home state but you worked across the line, you may owe the work state and need to claim a credit at home. Ask payroll to set up withholding correctly for next year.

4. What is the Kansas City, Missouri earnings tax?

A 1% city tax on earnings of KCMO residents, and of nonresidents for work performed inside KCMO city limits. It is separate from state tax. Kansas City, Kansas does not have one.

5. I work from home in Kansas some days. Do I still owe KCMO earnings tax on those days?

Generally, the nonresident earnings tax applies to work actually performed in KCMO. If your employer withheld on 100% of your pay but you worked some days from your Kansas home, you may be able to request a refund for those days with proper records. Keep a calendar of where you worked.

6. I moved across the state line this year. What do I file?

Typically a part-year resident return in each state, splitting income by the date you moved. Keep your lease or closing documents with the date.

7. I'm self-employed and have clients on both sides. How does that work?

Your home state taxes all of it. The other state may tax business income earned there. Track where you actually perform the work. My guide Self-Employed in Kansas City? Your 2026 Tax Checklist covers the basics.

8. Where can I read the detailed rules?

I wrote a longer walkthrough with the specific forms (MO-1040, MO-CR, K-40 and Schedule S) and official sources: Living in Kansas, Working in Missouri (or the Reverse).

General information, not tax advice for your specific situation. Confirm current rules with the Missouri Department of Revenue, the Kansas Department of Revenue and the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

About the author

Robert Allen Bautista is a Kansas City tax preparer and accountant. He spent four years at PwC in IT audit and tax, served as Chief Accountant at a CPA firm, holds an M.S. in Accounting, and is a CPA candidate. He has worked with 350-plus individual and small business clients and writes plain-English tax guides in English and Spanish.