Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Kentucky Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Kentucky. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0%, the total average in Kentucky comes to 6.00%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Kentucky Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0%
- Combined Average
- 6.00%
Quick Reference
Kentucky moved to a flat 4% income tax with planned further reductions.
State income tax: 4% top rate
How Kentucky's Sales Tax Stacks Up
At 6% combined (state plus average local), Kentucky's sales tax ranks 38th-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.
Kentucky adds no local sales taxes, so the 6% state rate is exactly what you pay at the register everywhere in Kentucky.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Indiana (7%); Missouri (8.305%); Ohio (7.24%); Tennessee (9.55%); Virginia (4.73%). Virginia has the lowest nearby rate at 4.73%.
Kentucky Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.00% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.60 | $10.60 |
| $25 | $1.50 | $26.50 |
| $50 | $3.00 | $53.00 |
| $100 | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $250 | $15.00 | $265.00 |
| $500 | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000 | $60.00 | $1060.00 |
| $2,500 | $150.00 | $2650.00 |
| $5,000 | $300.00 | $5300.00 |
Understanding Kentucky Sales Tax
Sales tax in Kentucky is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Kentucky, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $177,100 and a property tax rate of 0.83%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.