Kansas Tax Benefits and Credits for Immigrants in 2025 Explained

Key Takeaways

• Kansas’s 2025 child tax credit gives $1,000 per qualifying and unborn child under House Bill 2232.
• Kansas offers a refundable EITC equal to 17% of the federal credit for full-year residents.
• Undocumented immigrants without valid SSNs remain ineligible for Kansas and federal tax credits.

As of July 2025, several important changes have taken place regarding tax benefits and credits for immigrants living in Kansas. These updates affect the Kansas Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the introduction of a new child tax credit, and other state-level programs. Understanding these changes is important for immigrant families, tax preparers, and community organizations. Below, you’ll find a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the broader implications for pending and future tax filings.

Summary of What Changed in 2025

Kansas continues to offer a fully refundable state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), set at 17% of the federal EITC. This program remains unchanged in 2025, providing ongoing support for working families, including eligible immigrants. The most significant update is the passage of House Bill 2232, which creates a new Kansas child tax credit of $1,000 per qualifying child (and $1,000 per unborn child), beginning with the 2025 tax year. This is the first time Kansas has enacted a permanent state-level child tax credit.

Additionally, Kansas maintains other credits, such as the adoption credit, which may benefit immigrant families. However, undocumented immigrants without valid Social Security Numbers (SSNs) remain ineligible for these credits due to both federal and state requirements.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

• Lawful immigrants and resident aliens in Kansas with valid SSNs who file state and federal taxes are the main beneficiaries of these credits.
• Undocumented immigrants without valid SSNs remain ineligible for the Kansas EITC, the new child tax credit, and related federal credits.
• Families with adopted children may also benefit from the Kansas adoption credit.
• Tax preparers and community organizations serving immigrant populations need to be aware of these changes to provide accurate guidance.

Effective Dates

• The Kansas EITC at 17% of the federal EITC continues without interruption for the 2025 tax year.
• The new Kansas child tax credit under House Bill 2232 takes effect for tax returns filed for the 2025 tax year (returns due in 2026).
• Other credits, such as the adoption credit, remain available as in previous years.

Required Actions for Immigrants and Families

To benefit from these credits, eligible immigrants and their families should take the following steps:

1. Confirm Kansas Residency:
   You must be a full-year resident of Kansas to claim the state EITC and the new child tax credit. Part-year residents and nonresidents are not eligible.

2. Ensure Valid SSNs:
   The taxpayer, spouse (if filing jointly), and all qualifying children must have valid Social Security Numbers. This is a strict requirement for both federal and Kansas credits.

3. File Federal Tax Return:

   • Claim the federal EITC and federal child tax credit if you meet the eligibility rules.
   • These credits are the basis for determining your Kansas EITC eligibility.
4. File Kansas State Tax Return (Form K-40):
   • Enter your federal EITC amount to calculate your Kansas EITC (17% of the federal amount).
   • Claim the new $1,000 per qualifying child credit, as well as the $1,000 per unborn child if applicable, under House Bill 2232.
   • If the IRS has not yet finalized your federal EITC, file your Kansas return without the EITC and amend it later once your federal EITC is confirmed.
5. Keep Documentation:
   • Maintain proof of Kansas residency, valid SSNs, and qualifying child status.
   • Keep copies of your federal and state tax returns and any supporting documents.
6. For Adoptive Families:
   • If you have adopted a child, check your eligibility for the Kansas adoption credit, which is 25% of the federal adoption credit.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

• Pending 2024 Returns:
  If you filed a Kansas return for 2024 and are waiting for your federal EITC to be finalized, you must amend your Kansas return once the federal EITC is determined.
• 2025 and Beyond:
  The new child tax credit applies to tax years starting in 2025. If you have a qualifying child or unborn child in 2025, you can claim the credit when you file your 2025 Kansas return in 2026.
• Future Legislative Changes:
  While Kansas lawmakers have discussed expanding credits further, no additional changes have been enacted as of July 2025. Stay updated through the Kansas Department of Revenue and the Kansas Legislature for any new developments.

Detailed Overview of Kansas Tax Credits for Immigrants in 2025

Kansas Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

• Amount: 17% of your federal EITC amount.
• Refundable: Yes. If your Kansas EITC is more than your state tax owed, you get the difference as a refund.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a Kansas resident for the full year.
  • Must qualify for the federal EITC, which requires:
  • Valid SSNs for everyone on the return.
  • U.S. citizenship or resident alien status for the entire year.
  • Earned income below federal limits (for 2024, up to $59,899 for families with three or more children).
• Filing Tip:
  If your federal EITC is delayed, file your Kansas return without it and amend later.

Kansas Child Tax Credit (New for 2025)

• Amount: $1,000 per qualifying child, plus $1,000 per unborn child (can be claimed in the year of birth/stillbirth or the following year).
• Refundable: No. This credit can only reduce your Kansas tax bill to zero; any leftover credit is not refunded.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a Kansas resident.
  • Must have a qualifying child (or unborn child, as defined by the new law).
  • Valid SSNs are required for all parties.
• Special Note:
  The law does not exclude immigrants with valid SSNs or lawful status, so eligible immigrant families can claim this credit.

Other Kansas State Tax Credits

• Adoption Credit:
  • Amount: 25% of the federal adoption credit.
  • Extra credits may apply if the adopted child was a Kansas resident or has special needs.
  • Can benefit immigrant families who adopt children legally in Kansas.
• Community Service and Business Credits:
  • These are mainly for businesses or those making qualified contributions and are less relevant for most individual immigrant taxpayers.

Federal Tax Credits That Affect Kansas Immigrants

• Federal EITC and Child Tax Credit:
  • Both require valid SSNs and U.S. citizenship or resident alien status.
  • If you qualify for these federal credits, you are likely eligible for the Kansas EITC and the new Kansas child tax credit.
  • Undocumented immigrants without valid SSNs cannot claim these credits.

Practical Effects for Immigrant Families

• For Lawful Immigrants and Resident Aliens:
  • The Kansas EITC and new child tax credit offer meaningful financial help, especially for low- and moderate-income families.
  • These credits can help with the cost of raising children, paying bills, and supporting family needs.
  • Filing taxes correctly and on time is important to receive these benefits.
• For Undocumented Immigrants:
  • Due to SSN requirements, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for the Kansas EITC or child tax credits.
  • Despite this, undocumented immigrants still pay billions in taxes each year through payroll and sales taxes.
  • There are ongoing discussions about expanding benefits to include more immigrants, but no new Kansas laws have been passed in 2025 to change eligibility.

Legislative Outlook and Policy Trends

Kansas lawmakers have shown interest in expanding tax credits for families, especially those with young children. While several bills were proposed in 2024 and 2025 to create a refundable child tax credit, only House Bill 2232 passed, creating a nonrefundable credit. This is a step forward, but further changes—such as making the credit refundable or increasing the amount—would require new laws. Immigrant advocacy groups continue to push for broader access, especially for families who contribute to the Kansas economy but are excluded from these credits due to SSN requirements.

Step-by-Step Filing Guide for Immigrants in Kansas (2025)

1. Gather Documents:
   • Proof of Kansas residency for the full year.
   • Valid SSNs for yourself, your spouse, and your children.
   • Birth certificates or other proof for qualifying children or unborn children.
   • Adoption paperwork if claiming the adoption credit.
2. File Your Federal Tax Return:
   • Use your SSN and those of your dependents.
   • Claim the federal EITC and child tax credit if eligible.
3. File Your Kansas State Tax Return (Form K-40):
   • Enter your federal EITC amount to calculate your Kansas EITC (17%).
   • Claim the new $1,000 per qualifying child credit.
   • If you have an unborn child, follow the instructions for claiming the credit in the year of birth/stillbirth or the following year.
4. If Your Federal EITC Is Delayed:
   • File your Kansas return without the EITC.
   • Amend your Kansas return once your federal EITC is finalized.
5. Keep All Records:
   • Save copies of your tax returns, SSN cards, and any documents proving your children’s eligibility.
6. Check for Updates:
   • Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue for the latest forms and instructions.
   • Review updates from the Kansas Legislature for any new laws.

Official Resources for More Information

• Kansas Department of Revenue:
  For tax forms, instructions, and updates on credits, visit Kansas Department of Revenue.
• IRS:
  For federal EITC and child tax credit rules, visit IRS EITC Information.
• Kansas Legislature:
  For bill texts and legislative updates, visit Kansas Legislature.

Summary Table of Key 2025 Kansas Tax Credits for Immigrants

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Kansas residents with valid SSNs and qualifying children should prepare to claim both the Kansas EITC and the new child tax credit for the 2025 tax year.
• Undocumented immigrants remain ineligible for these credits due to SSN requirements, but advocacy for expanded access continues.
• Keep all necessary documents and file both federal and state returns to receive the full benefits.
• Stay informed about future legislative changes that may affect eligibility or credit amounts.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these updates reflect Kansas’s ongoing efforts to support working families, including immigrants with lawful status. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official government resources such as the Kansas Department of Revenue.

By following these steps and staying informed, immigrant families in Kansas can make the most of available tax credits and benefits in 2025 and beyond.

Learn Today

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) → A refundable tax credit based on earned income to support low- and moderate-income workers.
House Bill 2232 → Kansas law creating the new $1,000 per child and unborn child state child tax credit for 2025.
Social Security Number (SSN) → A unique nine-digit number required to claim federal and state tax credits in the U.S.
Refundable Credit → A tax credit that can reduce tax liability below zero and result in a tax refund.
Resident Alien → A non-citizen legally residing in the U.S., eligible for certain tax credits with valid SSNs.

This Article in a Nutshell

Kansas has introduced a permanent $1,000 child tax credit for 2025, complementing its 17% refundable EITC. Eligible immigrants with valid Social Security Numbers benefit significantly, but undocumented immigrants remain excluded. These changes require careful filing and documentation to maximize tax benefits for immigrant families in Kansas.
— By VisaVerge.com