Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax in Kentucky. 6% state rate + 0% average local tax = 6% combined rate. Free calculator with city-specific rates and exemption details.
Sales Tax Rates in Major Kentucky Cities
| City | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Louisville | 6% |
| Lexington | 6% |
| Bowling Green | 6% |
| Owensboro | 6% |
Quick Reference — Kentucky at 6% Combined Rate
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.60 | $10.60 |
| $25.00 | $1.50 | $26.50 |
| $50.00 | $3.00 | $53.00 |
| $100.00 | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $250.00 | $15.00 | $265.00 |
| $500.00 | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000.00 | $60.00 | $1060.00 |
| $5,000.00 | $300.00 | $5300.00 |
Kentucky Sales Tax Guide (2026)
Kentucky has a flat 6% statewide rate with no local sales taxes. Groceries are exempt. The state expanded its sales tax base in 2023 to include some services like rideshares, cosmetic surgery, and fitness memberships.
Tax Exemptions in Kentucky
- Groceries: Exempt
- Clothing: Taxed
- Prescription drugs: Exempt in Kentucky
How Kentucky Sales Tax Works
In Kentucky, the total sales tax you pay is the sum of the 6% state rate plus any local taxes imposed by your city or county. Local rates vary, with the average being 0% for a combined rate of 6%. The highest combined rate in Kentucky is 6% (uniform statewide).
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology, Assumptions, and Limitations
About this page: Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator — 6% Rate (2026) is designed to help visitors make faster, better-informed decisions without creating an account or giving up personal data.
This estimate uses current federal and/or state tax assumptions, common filing-status logic, and the inputs you enter. It does not reproduce your exact payroll system, year-to-date withholding history, or every local tax rule.
Worked example: Example: compare the same salary under two filing statuses or with different pre-tax deductions to see how withholding or after-tax cash flow changes.
Source References
Editorial Transparency
Last updated: March 9, 2026 · Author: CalcSharp Editorial Team · Reviewed by: CalcSharp Finance Review Desk
CalcSharp publishes free educational calculators and guides. We prioritize plain-English explanations, visible assumptions, and links to primary or official references wherever practical.