This calculator starts with Kentucky’s combined rate of 6% (6% state + 0% average local).
Kentucky sales tax rates in 2026
At 6%, Kentucky’s combined average rate ranks 38 of the 50 states and D.C. (1 = highest) — 1 percentage point below the middle value of all 51 jurisdictions (7%). Its state rate of 6% ranks 17 of 51.
| Measure | Rate | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax rate | 6% | 17 of 51 |
| Average local rate (population-weighted) | 0% | — |
| Combined state + average local rate | 6% | 38 of 51 (tied with District of Columbia, Maryland, Michigan) |
| Highest local rate | 0% | — |
| Middle of all 51 (combined) | 7% | 26 of 51 |
No general local sales taxes.
Sales tax on common purchases in Kentucky
Sales tax at 6%, rounded to the cent:
| Purchase | Sales tax (6%) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $100 purchase | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $500 purchase | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000 purchase | $60.00 | $1,060.00 |
| $25,000 car | $1,500.00 | $26,500.00 |
The $25,000 car line uses the general rate. Many states tax vehicles under separate rules — a different rate, a cap, or tax on the price after a trade-in — so treat it as an estimate.
Groceries and items taxed differently
Groceries: Exempt.
Other items, such as clothing, prescription drugs and services, can also be exempt or taxed at a different rate depending on the state. Kentucky’s tax agency publishes the rules for specific items.
Kentucky vs. neighboring states
1 of 7 neighbors has a lower average combined rate than Kentucky and 6 have a higher one; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $57.70 in Virginia to $96.10 in Tennessee, versus $60.00 in Kentucky.
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 5.3% | 0.47% | 5.77% | $57.70 | −$2.30 |
| Kentucky | 6% | 0% | 6% | $60.00 | — |
| West Virginia | 6% | 0.6% | 6.6% | $66.00 | +$6.00 |
| Indiana | 7% | 0% | 7% | $70.00 | +$10.00 |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 1.54% | 7.29% | $72.90 | +$12.90 |
| Missouri | 4.225% | 4.22% | 8.44% | $84.40 | +$24.40 |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 2.73% | 8.98% | $89.80 | +$29.80 |
| Tennessee | 7% | 2.61% | 9.61% | $96.10 | +$36.10 |
Shopping across a state line doesn’t always save money: when a seller doesn’t collect your state’s tax, you generally owe use tax at your home rate. See sales tax rates for every state.
How to calculate Kentucky sales tax
- Add tax: multiply the price by 1.06. $100.00 × 1.06 = $106.00.
- Remove tax: divide the total by 1.06. $1,000.00 ÷ 1.06 = $943.40, so the tax was $56.60.
- Tax alone: multiply the price by 0.06. On $500.00: $30.00.
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct either your state and local income taxes or your general sales taxes on your federal return, within the SALT cap. The income tax calculator shows whether itemizing beats the standard deduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky in 2026?
Kentucky’s state rate is 6% and there are no general local sales taxes as of July 1, 2026 (Tax Foundation). That ranks 38 of 51 (1 = highest). With no local add-ons, the general rate is the same across the state. At the 6% state rate, a $100.00 taxable purchase costs $106.00.
How much is sales tax on $1,000 in Kentucky?
About $60.00 at the 6% state rate, for a total of $1,060.00. Because Kentucky has no general local sales taxes, that amount is the same everywhere in the state for items taxed at the general rate. Multiply the price by 0.06 to get the tax, or by 1.06 to get the total.
How do I remove Kentucky sales tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1.06 (1 plus the 6% combined rate). A $1,000 receipt total works out to $943.40 before tax and $56.60 of tax. Subtracting 6% of the total would give $940.00, which understates the price because the tax was charged on the smaller pre-tax amount.
How much is sales tax on a $25,000 car in Kentucky?
At the 6% general combined rate, $1,500.00, for a total of $26,500.00. Vehicles are often taxed under separate motor vehicle tax rules, at a different rate or on a price reduced by a trade-in, so confirm the amount with Kentucky’s motor vehicle or tax agency before you budget for it.
Are groceries taxed in Kentucky?
No. Groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from sales tax in Kentucky. Prepared food, such as restaurant meals and hot deli items, is generally taxable, and items like candy, soft drinks and alcohol may be treated differently from groceries, so check with Kentucky’s tax agency for a specific product.
Is sales tax higher in Kentucky than in neighboring states?
1 of 7 neighbors has a lower average combined rate than Kentucky and 6 have a higher one; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $57.70 in Virginia to $96.10 in Tennessee, versus $60.00 in Kentucky. These comparisons use each state’s combined state and average local rate. Crossing a border to save tax doesn’t always work: if a seller doesn’t collect your home state’s tax, you generally owe use tax at home.