Don't flush away your Tax Savings for 2026 and 2027! Help Us BEFORE April 20th !
Keep your tax dollars in town instead of sending it all to the State.
Making a pledge to purchase tax credits helps WaKeeney claim tax credits that stay here in town.
It's that time of year when we are all dreading sending our tax dollars to our revenue friends in Topeka. Did you know that there is a way that when you pay your Kansas income tax, some of that can stay right here in WaKeeney?
The State of Kansas offers Community Service Tax Credits.
These Tax Credits help non-profit organizations, including the City of WaKeeney, fund important projects related to community improvements. Everyone in WaKeeney can agree that Public Restrooms downtown is most definitely be a much needed community improvement. Tax Credits may also attract donors from outside our community who are looking for a tax relief. Donations of stock and QCD's are also eligible.
How can WaKeeney receive these Tax Credits?
WaKeeney Main Street has partnered with the Heartland Community Foundation to submit an application to the state to be approved to receive these credits. The window to apply for these tax credits is March 1 - April 20, 2026.
What can you do to help secure these credits?
Because it is a small window of time to get the credits applied for, one of the requirements is that WaKeeney citizens show their commitment to this public restroom project, by making a pledge to use tax credits to help fund the project. You are not being asked to write a check, nor are you required to donate the amount laid out in the letter. You will simply be communicating to the Dept of Commerce that you would consider making the donation if the tax credits are available. The Dept of Commerce wants to ensure that the project makes full use of the credits awarded and that none are wasted. Our goal is to have $150,000 in tax credit pledges. You can pledge a minimum of $250 or more. Whatever you feel you want to contribute in the form of utilizing Tax Credits to keep your KS taxes in WaKeeney.
What If You Don't Owe That Much in Taxes?
Good question ! The answer is, If you pay anything to the State of KS in income tax, you can reduce your tax bill down to $0. Using tax credits tied to a community project reduces your tax bill because the credit is subtracted directly from the taxes you owe. Taxes credits are also on a two year benefit. For example....If you pay $250 annually in KS Income Tax, you would want to pledge $500-$600 in tax credits. You are not "spending extra money" You are choosing for your tax dollars to go toward a project in our own community. (Please consult your tax preparer)
Why Is This Better Than Just Donating?
To donate directly without using the tax credit option, you may only reduce your taxable income. Your real savings would most likely be a fraction of what what you donated. Using the tax credit you reduce the taxes you owe the State of Kansas dollar-for-dollar. That is the key difference. (Again, please consult your tax preparer.)
We want to make it hassle free for you !
Still have questions?
If you still have questions about how tax credits can benefit you and the Kelly Project, you can call your own Tax preparer, or Dave Hendricks (785-953-0925) or Savannah Downing with Heartland Community Foundation (785-743-3270)