Kansas vs Missouri (taxwise) when buying a home, but working in Kansas City, Kansas. (Lee's Summit: sales)

[SheLuvDemBoxers]

We may be relocating (my husband works for the BNSF Railway) and we're somewhat looking at homes online and learning what we can about which state is better to live in. We're living in southern CA now. The job will be on the Kansas side, but we were wondering if anyone can enlighten us as to the tax situations in both states. If we live in Missouri, will we pay taxes in both states? What about sales tax, or income taxes, or property taxes? (in both states) Any adivce would be appreciated.

[kcmo]

Well, you will pay income taxes in both state, but each state gives a credit for taxes paid to the other state. In general, taxes area slightly higher in Kansas.

As far as places to live. I’m not sure if your husband will work at the BNSF office or will travel a lot, but BNSF in KCK is right off 635 and easily accessible to suburban areas of the Northland in MO and Johnson County in KS. Those areas will be more built up and upscale suburban areas. If you want a more rural suburban lifestyle, you might look into western Wyandotte County (KCK).

In general, it all pretty much evens out. I simply would not base buying a home on taxes alone. Find an area and home you like first.

[luzianne]

I'd check out Johnson County. Overland Park always makes the list of Money Magazines Best Places To Live.

I prefer living on the Kansas side, specifically in Johnson County. The Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley school districts (both Johnson County, depending where you live - the older areas are Shawnee Mission and are in the northern part of Johnson County, the newer areas are Blue Valley and are in the southern part of Johnson County) are highly rated school districts.

[Samantha S]

Ditto luzianne.

But I also agree with " I simply would not base buying a home on taxes alone. Find an area and home you like first. "

If you are coming from SoCal, I'm going to go out on a limb and bet that you will like Johnson County more than you like other areas around KC.

But as you will see here, there are people who simply detest it and will let you know it. Then there are those of us who wouldn't live anywhere else.

Definitely spend some time looking around for what feels most comfortable for you.

[JMitchellHomes]

I'd never recommend the double-taxation scenario here in the metro area of Kansas City. When my husband and I have done that, we've been gouged -- yes, there are credits, but you still end up paying more in taxes due to living in one state and working in the other. AND, if you live or work in Kansas City, MO, you pay an additional excise tax. Ick.
If safer environs, great schools and lots of things to do, family-style, are your focus, definitely JoCo or Western Wyandotte. There are great things to say about Eastern metro KC -- Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, etc., but then there's that dreaded tax thing again. Really, the taxes usually even themselves out in this area, whether in property taxes + sales tax + whatever else -- they are a sum total that equals out in the end, or very nearly so. Like Luzianne and Samantha said -- find a neighborhood and go with it! My perspective is based in southern Johnson County but started out in south KC, years ago, so I'm "skewed" and admit to the bias. Good luck!

[cp1969]

Originally Posted by JMitchellHomes

AND, if you live or work in Kansas City, MO, you pay an additional excise tax.

1%, right off the top.

[JackieB23]

Yep - if I were working on the Kansas side, and I had a choice, I'd live on the Kansas side, too - the two-state tax thing (and the 1% tax in KCMO) is just a hassle that you should avoid if you can (I did that when I moved to KCMO originally - lived in KCMO, worked in KCK... man, I was glad when I stopped working over there).

But I agree with KCMO - find a place you like and live in it - if you find, for example, Parkville MO is for you, then live there and enjoy it. Just get a good accountant.