Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Kentucky. Kentucky has a 6% state sales tax rate and no local sales taxes. Based on current KY rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$6.00

Total with Tax

$106.00

Combined Rate

6.000%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.00%)$6.00
Local Tax (0.00%)$0.00
Total Sales Tax$6.00
Total with Tax$106.00

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Kentucky Sales Tax Guide

Kentucky charges a 6% state sales tax, and it is one of the simpler systems in the country because there are no add-on local sales taxes. Whether you shop in Paducah, Bowling Green, or Covington, the rate at the register is the same 6%. That uniformity makes Kentucky sales tax easy to estimate: the tax on a taxable purchase is simply the price times 0.06.

Not everything is taxed. Groceries (unprepared food for home consumption) and prescription drugs are exempt, which softens the bite on everyday essentials, while prepared meals, most general merchandise, and a growing list of services are taxable. Kentucky has expanded sales tax to cover a number of services in recent years, so some bills that were once tax-free now carry the 6%. The companion to the sales tax is the use tax, also 6%: when you buy from an out-of-state or online seller that doesn't collect Kentucky tax, you owe the same amount directly to the Department of Revenue, often reported on your income tax return.

Kentucky Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6%
Local Sales Taxes No
State Income Tax 3.5% (flat)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.72%

Official Sources:

Kentucky Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?
Kentucky's statewide sales tax is a flat 6%, and unlike most states it adds no local city or county sales tax on top. The rate is identical everywhere in the state, so a $100 taxable purchase costs $6 in tax whether you buy it in Louisville or in a small rural county.
Are groceries taxed in Kentucky?
Unprepared groceries for home consumption are exempt from Kentucky's 6% sales tax, as are prescription drugs. Prepared food, such as restaurant meals, hot deli items, and ready-to-eat fare, is taxable. The line can be fine, so a rotisserie chicken from the hot bar is generally taxed while a raw chicken from the cooler is not.
Do I owe Kentucky use tax on online purchases?
Yes, if the seller didn't collect Kentucky sales tax. Use tax is the mirror of sales tax at the same 6% rate and applies to taxable goods you bring into or have shipped to Kentucky. Many large retailers now collect it automatically, but for sellers that don't, you're expected to report and pay use tax to the Department of Revenue, commonly on your individual income tax return.
Are services taxed in Kentucky?
Some are. Kentucky has broadened its sales tax to cover a range of services in recent years, so certain repair, installation, and personal services now carry the 6% rate. Many professional services remain untaxed, but the taxable list has grown, so it's worth checking whether a specific service is covered rather than assuming services are exempt.

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