Patrick
Starting in the new year, Kansas will no longer levy state taxes on certain types of personal property, bringing notable changes for many residents. These updates stem from recent legislative action and will affect how some commonly owned items are taxed moving forward.
Douglas County Notifies Residents of New Exemptions
The Douglas County Appraiser’s Office has informed property owners that, effective January 1, several categories of personal property will become exempt from taxation. This change is the result of revisions passed by Kansas lawmakers and applies statewide, with local offices helping residents understand how the new rules work.
Which Personal Property Is Now Tax-Exempt?
According to county officials, the following items will no longer be subject to personal property taxes once the new year begins:
- Watercraft and marine aircraft
- Off-road vehicles
- Motorized bicycles, scooters, and mopeds
- Trailers weighing 15,000 pounds or less, provided they are used solely for personal purposes
If any of these items were owned before January 1, they will still be taxed for the period prior to the new year. However, going forward, these categories will not require annual reporting for tax purposes.
No Reporting Required Starting in 2026
Beginning in 2026, Douglas County residents will no longer need to notify the appraiser’s office about changes involving these newly exempt property types. To help clarify the transition, the appraiser’s office plans to mail informational letters to affected personal property owners in early January.
Significant Reduction in Taxable Property
Douglas County Appraiser Brad Eldridge stated that the updated law will exempt approximately 38% of the county’s personal property assets from taxation.
“These changes significantly reduce the amount of personal property that residents will need to report each year,” Eldridge explained. “Our priority is ensuring taxpayers clearly understand which items remain taxable and which no longer require any action.”
Property That Remains Taxable
Despite the expanded exemptions, several types of personal property will continue to be taxed, including:
- Mobile homes and tiny homes
- Aircraft
- Antique vehicles and salvage-title vehicles
- Vehicles with heavy tags
- Oil and gas leases
For these taxable assets, residents can expect valuation notices in May 2026 and tax bills issued in November 2026.
Reporting Responsibilities Still Apply in Some Cases
Owners of qualifying property must still report certain changes, such as:
- Buying or selling personal property
- Changes in how the property is used
- Changes in where the property is stored
These reporting requirements ensure accurate records even as the scope of taxable property narrows.
Kansas’ updated personal property tax rules mark a major shift for many residents, especially in Douglas County. By exempting items like off-road vehicles, watercraft, and certain trailers, the state is reducing both tax burdens and annual reporting requirements.
While many assets will no longer require action from owners, it remains important to understand which property types are still taxable and when reporting is necessary. Staying informed will help residents take full advantage of these changes without missing critical obligations.