Graphic Designer Taxes in Kansas - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is Graphic Designer income taxable in Kansas?

Yes, absolutely. As a graphic designer operating as an independent contractor (likely), your income is taxable at both the federal and Kansas state levels. The IRS considers graphic design income earned as self-employment income. You'll report this income on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), which is filed with your Form 1040. Schedule C allows you to deduct business expenses, reducing your taxable income.

Kansas has a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay depends on your total taxable income. For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), Kansas has several tax brackets. You'll calculate your federal adjusted gross income (AGI), then subtract any applicable Kansas deductions to arrive at your Kansas taxable income. This amount is then used to determine your Kansas income tax liability based on the current graduated rates. You'll file a Kansas Form K-40 to report your state income tax.

Top Tax Write-offs for Graphic Designers

• Software & Subscriptions: Costs for design software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Suite, or font subscriptions are fully deductible. If the software is used for more than one year, you may need to capitalize and depreciate the cost, but most subscriptions are expensed in the year paid.
• Computer & Equipment: The cost of your computer, monitor, tablet, printer, and other equipment used for your graphic design business is deductible. You can either deduct the full cost in the year of purchase using Section 179 deduction (subject to limitations) or depreciate the asset over its useful life.
• Mileage & Vehicle Expenses: When you drive for business purposes (client meetings, supply purchases, etc.), you can deduct either the actual expenses (gas, oil, repairs, insurance, depreciation) or the standard mileage rate. For 2024, the standard mileage rate is 67 cents per mile. Keep a detailed mileage log!
• Home Office Deduction: If you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for your graphic design business, you may be able to deduct expenses related to that space (mortgage interest or rent, utilities, insurance, etc.). There's a simplified method available as well.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Because you're self-employed, you're responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. This combined tax is called Self-Employment Tax and is currently 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security up to the annual wage base, and 2.9% for Medicare). You'll calculate this on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). The good news is you get to deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income, which reduces your overall tax liability. This tax applies to net earnings over $400.

Closing Tip for Kansas Residents

As a Kansas resident, remember to keep meticulous records of all your income and expenses throughout the year. Consider using accounting software or working with a tax professional to ensure you're taking advantage of all eligible deductions and credits. Don't wait until the last minute! Proactive tax planning can save you money and stress. The Kansas Department of Revenue website (https://www.ksrevenue.gov/) is a valuable resource for state-specific tax information.