Virtual Assistant Taxes in Kansas - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for a Virtual Assistant in Kansas

The Sunflower State offers a growing landscape for remote professionals, and as a Virtual Assistant in Kansas, understanding your tax obligations is crucial for financial success.

As a self-employed individual, the federal government requires reporting all business income and expenses on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) with your Form 1040. Furthermore, earnings exceeding $400 necessitate the payment of self-employment taxes, covering both Social Security and Medicare contributions. Accurate record-keeping throughout the year is paramount to ensure compliance and maximize potential deductions.

How Kansas Handles Gig Worker Taxes

As a resident of Kansas, a state income tax return is required regardless of income level. Kansas operates under a graduated income tax system, meaning the tax rate increases as your income rises. For the 2025 tax year, Kansas utilizes several tax brackets. The primary form for self-employed individuals to report income and calculate Kansas income tax is Form K-40. It's important to note that Kansas also has a standard deduction, which can reduce your taxable income. For 2025, the standard deduction amounts will be adjusted for inflation, so checking the latest information on the Kansas Department of Revenue website is essential. Additionally, Kansas allows for itemized deductions similar to the federal level, potentially offering further tax savings. Estimated tax payments are generally required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in Kansas income tax. Failing to make timely estimated payments can result in penalties. Kansas also offers various credits that may be applicable to self-employed individuals, such as credits for certain business expenses or investments. Staying informed about these changes and utilizing available resources is vital for accurate tax filing.

For more information and resources, please visit the Kansas Department of Revenue: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/

Key Tax Deductions for Home-Based Virtual Assistants

• Home Office Deduction: To qualify for the home office deduction, the space must be used exclusively and regularly for business. “Exclusive use” means that portion of your home is only used for your virtual assistant work – it cannot double as a guest room or family space. “Regular use” implies consistent and frequent use for business purposes. Taxpayers can choose between the simplified method, calculating the deduction at $5 per square foot of the home used for business (capped at 300 square feet), or the actual expense method, which involves calculating the percentage of your home used for business and deducting a proportionate share of mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and other home-related expenses.
• Hardware & Software: The cost of essential hardware, such as computers, webcams, and printers, is generally deductible. Software subscriptions vital to your business, including programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, project management tools, and website hosting fees, are also deductible expenses.
• Internet & Phone Bill: If you use your internet and phone for both personal and business purposes, you can deduct the percentage attributable to business use. Maintaining detailed records of business usage is crucial to substantiate this deduction.

Note on Mileage: As a home-based worker, mileage deductions are less common. However, any travel directly related to your business – such as occasional client meetings or trips to purchase supplies – can be claimed using the standard mileage rate or actual expenses.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Explained

The 15.3% self-employment tax comprises two components: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. This tax is essentially the equivalent of the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from an employee’s paycheck, but as a self-employed individual, you are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions.