Amazon Flex Taxes in Kansas - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for Amazon Flex Drivers in Kansas

The Sunflower State offers a lot of open road for Amazon Flex drivers, but navigating tax season requires careful planning. As an independent contractor delivering packages across Kansas, understanding your tax obligations is crucial to avoid surprises when filing in 2025.

The IRS considers Amazon Flex drivers self-employed. This means income earned through deliveries must be reported on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) with your federal income tax return (Form 1040). Furthermore, because no taxes are withheld from your Flex earnings, you’ll likely owe self-employment tax – covering both Social Security and Medicare – on any net earnings exceeding $400.

How Kansas Handles Gig Worker Taxes

As a resident of Kansas, you are required to file a state income tax return, even if your only income is from Amazon Flex. Kansas utilizes a graduated income tax system, meaning the tax rate increases as your income increases. For the 2025 tax year, it's essential to utilize Form K-40, the Kansas individual income tax return, to report your self-employment income. This income, reported on your federal Schedule C, will be transferred to your Kansas return. Kansas also allows for a deduction for the federal income tax paid, which can help reduce your state tax liability. Remember to keep accurate records of all income and expenses related to your Amazon Flex work, as Kansas may request documentation to support your claims. Kansas also has provisions for estimated tax payments, particularly important for self-employed individuals. If your tax liability is expected to be $1,000 or more, you may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. Consulting with a tax professional familiar with Kansas tax law is highly recommended to ensure compliance and maximize potential deductions. You can find more information and access tax forms on the Kansas Department of Revenue website: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/

Top Tax Deductions for Kansas Drivers

• Standard Mileage: The most popular deduction for Amazon Flex drivers. For the 2025 tax year, the standard mileage rate is 70 cents per mile. Given Kansas’s relatively moderate gas prices, the standard mileage rate is likely to be a beneficial option for most drivers.
• Tolls & Parking: While Kansas doesn’t have extensive toll road systems, any tolls incurred during deliveries are deductible. Parking fees directly related to package deliveries are also deductible.
• Phone & Data Plan: You can deduct the percentage of your phone and data plan that is used for business purposes. Keep a log of business-related calls and data usage to support your deduction.
• Vehicle-Related Costs: Expenses like car cleaning supplies, phone mounts, dash cams, and insulated hot bags used specifically for deliveries are deductible.

Key Warning: You cannot deduct both the standard mileage rate and actual car expenses (like gas, oil changes, repairs, and insurance) in the same year. Choose the method that yields the larger deduction.

Understanding the 15.3% Self-Employment Tax

As an Amazon Flex driver, you are responsible for paying self-employment tax, which covers both Social Security and Medicare taxes. Unlike traditional employment, Amazon and other delivery platforms do not withhold these taxes from your earnings. The combined rate is 15.3% on net earnings over $400. You will calculate this tax on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax) and include it with your Form 1040 when filing your federal income tax return.