A new study shows poor Kansans pay the largest portion of their incomes on taxes. Research by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy says people making under $20,000 in Kansas pay more than 10 percent of their earnings in taxes, while those earning more than $400,000 pay less than 4 percent. The left leaning institute’s Executive Director Matt Gardner says income tax cuts established by Governor Brownback caused the disparity.
The Institute studied income, sales, excise and property taxes in every state to determine how much people pay at various income levels. The Kansas Revenue Department disputes the findings saying the study fails to consider numerous programs, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provide aid to low-income people.