Sales Tax for Kentucky (2026)
Kentucky (KY) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
6%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in Kentucky
This calculator estimates the Kentucky sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 6%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
Kentucky Overview
Kentucky levies a flat 6% state sales tax with no local add-ons, keeping the system straightforward. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt, but a 2018 expansion brought many services into the tax base. The uniform rate makes Kentucky simpler to navigate than neighboring states with layered local taxes.
How Kentucky Compares
Kentucky's sales tax rate of 6% compares to Tennessee at 7% and Virginia at 5.3%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 7% | Tennessee has a sales tax rate of 7%. |
| Virginia | 5.3% | Virginia has a sales tax rate of 5.3%. |
| Indiana | 7% | Indiana has a sales tax rate of 7%. |
Kentucky's sales tax rate of 6% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is above the national average.
Tips for Kentucky Residents
- 1Kentucky's 6% sales tax is a flat statewide rate with no local add-ons, making it one of the simpler sales tax states.
- 2Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from Kentucky sales tax.
- 3Kentucky expanded its sales tax base in 2018 to include many services such as landscaping, janitorial, pet care, and laundry.
- 4There are no sales tax holidays in Kentucky.
- 5Vehicle purchases in Kentucky are subject to the 6% sales tax on the full purchase price, with no trade-in credit.