Topeka ? Kansas tax collections fell $18 million short of expectations in January.

In a preliminary report issued Friday, the state Department of Revenue says January’s tax revenue totaled more than $503 million — about 3.5 percent below the official forecast of nearly $522 million.

That’s more bad news for legislators as they confront the state’s ongoing budget problems.

The shortfall for January also is likely to increase a projected $400 million budget gap for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Legislative researchers should have a new figure next week.