Kentucky Income Tax Calculator

Taxes in Kentucky

Kentucky State Tax Quick Facts

• State income tax: 4.50%
• Local income taxes: 0% - 2.50%
• Sales tax: 6.00%
• Property tax: 0.85% effective rate
• Gas tax: 28.7 cents per gallon of regular gasoline, 25.7 cents per gallon of diesel

Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%, a statewide sales tax of 6% and median property taxes of $1,320 annually. Both the sales and property taxes are below the national averages, while the state income tax is right around the U.S. mark.

There are two unique aspects of Kentucky’s tax system. The first is local occupational taxes, which are collected by both counties and cities and are levied on both individuals' wages and businesses' earnings. These rates range from 0.00075% up to 2.50%. The second is the state's inheritance tax. Kentucky is one of just a handful of states to impose a tax on inheritances.

A financial advisor can help you understand how taxes fit into your overall financial goals. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Kentucky Income Taxes

Kentucky imposes a flat income tax. This differs from the federal income tax, which has a progressive tax system (higher rates for higher income levels). The state income tax rate is 4.5% regardless of income or filing status. Prior to 2018, the state had rates ranging from 2% to 6%.

To calculate taxes owed, taxpayers in Kentucky must make certain additions and subtractions to their federal adjusted gross income (AGI). The result is Kentucky taxable income, to which the above rates are applied.

Many types of retirement income that are taxable at the federal level are not taxable in Kentucky. Social security benefits are exempt, as is retirement income from any Kentucky governmental retirement systems. Pension and annuity income up to $31,110 is also exempt. Interest from federal obligations (treasury notes, etc.) is exempt, while interest income from the municipal bonds of other states is taxable. Active duty military pay is also exempt from state taxes in Kentucky.

Kentucky Tax Credits

There are a number of additional credits available to families and parents in Kentucky. These include the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which is equal to 20% of the federal credit by the same name; the Family Size Tax Credit, available to low-income families; and the Education Tuition Tax Credit. When reforming the state tax code in early 2018, legislators eliminated most deductions. The only deductions that residents can now claim on their state income taxes are for charitable donations, mortgage interest and Social Security income.

Kentucky Occupational Taxes

In addition to the state income tax, many counties and cities in Kentucky levy what are called “occupational taxes.” In general, these taxes apply to wages, not to Kentucky taxable income. That means there are no deductions, exemptions or credits applicable to these taxes. Rates can reach up to 2.5%. 

The earnings of businesses also have these taxies levied on them. For cities that are within a county with its own tax, both taxes must be paid.

Kentucky Sales Tax

Thanks to Kentucky’s system of local occupational taxes, there are no local sales tax rates throughout the state. That means that the state’s sales tax rate of 6% is the only sales tax you’ll pay in Kentucky, regardless of what city you’re shopping in. Most goods and many services are subject to that rate.

Kentucky legislators expanded the sales tax in 2018 to tax services that had not previously been subject to sales tax. Some services for which sales tax is required are: admissions (to movies, themes parks, etc.), accommodations lasting less than 30 days, communications services, prepaid calling services, sewage and natural gas utilities, landscaping, janitorial services, many pet care veterinary services, fitness and recreational sports, laundry, bowling and extended warranties.

Among the commonly purchased products that are exempt from Kentucky sales tax are most food items (excluding candy, soft drinks and prepared food), prescription drugs and prosthetic devices. Clothing, vehicles and other large purchases are all subject to the full sales tax rate.

Kentucky Property Tax

Property taxes in Kentucky are some of the lowest in the country. Typical homeowners pay just a 0.85% effective property tax rate (annual taxes as a percentage of home value). Depending on where you live, however, that rate could be significantly higher or lower. County rates range between 1.20% in Campbell County and 0.51% in Carter County.

If these lower property taxes have you eager to move to Kentucky, check out our mortgage guide to learn all the essentials for getting a mortgage in the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky Inheritance Tax

Inheritances in Kentucky are taxed based on the recipient’s relationship to the deceased, as well as the value of the property being bequeathed. There are three classes of recipients. Class A includes direct family like spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and half siblings. Recipients of an inheritance who are in this class are totally exempt from inheritance tax.

Class B recipients are indirect family, like nieces, nephews, daughters- and sons-in-law, aunts, uncles and great-grandchildren. This class receives a $1,000 exemption, but is otherwise subject to the tax, with rates beginning at 4% for amounts greater than the $1,000 exemption and increasing to a top rate of 16% for the amount of the inheritance above $200,000.

Class C recipients include anyone not in Class A or B, such as cousins or institutions. They receive an exemption of $500. After that, rates begin at 6% and increase to a top rate of 16% for the amount of the inheritance over $200,000.

Kentucky Alcohol Tax

Kentucky has a rich history as a producer of the nation’s best bourbon. Liquor faces an excise tax rate of $1.92 per gallon. Beer in Kentucky is taxed at a rate of 8 cents per gallon, while wine has a tax rate of 50 cents per gallon.

Kentucky Cigarette Tax

In 2018, Kentucky legislators raised the cigarette tax by 50 cents, bringing it up to $1.10 per pack of 20. This is still below the national average.

Kentucky Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains are taxed as regular income in Kentucky. That means they are subject to the full income tax at a rate of 4.5%.

• Kentucky has the highest per capita rate of both deer and wild turkey of any U.S. state.
• The Cumberland Gap, in Eastern Kentucky, was the principal passage through the Appalachian Mountains during much of early American history.
• College basketball is the most popular sport in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky and Louisville University have combined to win 11 national championships.