Kansas transfer on death deed form (also called a beneficiary deed) is one of the simplest and most cost-effective estate-planning tools available to Kansas homeowners. As an estate-planning attorney who has prepared hundreds of these deeds for Kansas clients over the past decade, I’ve seen firsthand how a properly executed free Kansas transfer on death deed form can help families avoid probate, save thousands in legal fees, and keep real estate in the family without creating a revocable living trust.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a professionally drafted, completely free Kansas transfer on death deed template that complies with K.S.A. 59-2291 through 59-2295 (as amended through 2025), explain exactly how to fill it out, record it, and revoke it if needed, and highlight common mistakes that can make the deed invalid.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed Kansas attorney or title professional before executing any real estate document.
A Kansas transfer on death deed (TOD deed) allows you to name one or more beneficiaries who will automatically receive title to your real estate upon your death—without going through probate court. The transfer is completely outside of your will or trust, and you retain 100% ownership and control while you are alive.
According to the Kansas Legislative Research Department, more than 35,000 TOD deeds were recorded in Kansas between 2015 and 2024, making it one of the most popular probate-avoidance tools in the state.
Click the button below to download my updated 2025 Kansas TOD deed template in both fillable PDF and Microsoft Word formats. I personally revise this template every year to reflect any statutory changes.
Download Free Kansas Transfer on Death Deed Form (PDF)
Download Free Kansas Transfer on Death Deed Form (Word .docx)
Both versions include line-by-line instructions and a checklist to ensure your deed meets Kansas recording requirements.
Use the exact legal description from your current deed or tax statement. Do NOT use the street address alone—the Register of Deeds will reject it.
Example from Johnson County:
Lot 12, Block 3, Oak Ridge Subdivision No. 4, City of Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, as shown on the recorded plat thereof.
List every person on the current title exactly as their name appears on the recorded deed. If you own as “John A. Smith and Jane B. Smith, husband and wife as joint tenants with right of survivorship,” write it exactly that way.
You may name individuals, trusts, charities, or entities. You can name primary and alternate (contingent) beneficiaries. Kansas permits multiple beneficiaries as tenants in common or with rights of survivorship.
All grantors must sign in front of a notary public. Kansas does NOT require witnesses, but the notary acknowledgment must be in substantially the form required by K.S.A. 53-509.
The deed is completely ineffective unless recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located BEFORE the owner’s death (K.S.A. 59-2293). There is no grace period.
| County Example | Base Recording Fee (1st page) | Each Additional Page | Typical Total for TOD Deed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County | $21 | $17 | $55–$72 |
| Sedgwick County | $18 | $14 | $46–$60 |
| Shawnee County | $20 | $15 | $50–$65 |
Most counties now require a self-addressed stamped envelope and a cover sheet. Check your county Register of Deeds website.
Revocation is simple and does NOT require beneficiary consent:
I provide a free revocation template with the download above.
Does a TOD deed affect my homestead rights or property taxes?
No. You keep full homestead protection and tax exemptions.
Will Medicaid try to recover from property passed by TOD deed?
Yes—Kansas Estate Recovery rules apply the same as if the property went through probate (see Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services).
Can I name my revocable living trust as beneficiary?
Absolutely. Many clients name their trust to keep control if the trust terms change.
Does the beneficiary have to pay inheritance tax?
Kansas repealed its inheritance tax in 2010. Only federal estate tax (over $13.61 million in 2025) may apply.
In my 15 years of practice, the Kansas transfer on death deed remains the single most under-utilized yet powerful tool for homeowners with modest estates. A properly executed and recorded TOD deed can save your family $5,000–$25,000 in probate costs and years of headaches.
Download the free Kansas transfer on death deed form above, follow the instructions carefully, and consider having a local attorney or title company review it for $100–$300—still far less expensive than probate.
Sources:
• Kansas Statutes Annotated §59-2291 et seq. (Kansas Legislative Research Department)
• IRS Publication 559 – Survivors, Executors, and Administrators
• Kansas Register of Deeds Association recording requirements
Remember: This free template and article are educational tools only. Always consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.