Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator

Free Kentucky sales tax calculator 2026. 6% state + 0.00% local = 6.00% combined. Reverse calc & exemptions. No sign-up.

How Kentucky Sales Tax Works

Kentucky charges a 6% state sales tax rate. On top of that, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) add their own taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 6.00%. That means on a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay approximately $60.00 in sales tax for a total of $1060.00.

The Kentucky state rate of 6% applies uniformly across the state, and there are no local sales tax additions. This makes the calculation straightforward — the state rate is what you pay everywhere.

Good news: Kentucky exempts groceries, prescription drugs from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax in Kentucky. These exemptions can make a real difference in your annual spending, especially on groceries which are a recurring expense for every household.

Need to work backwards? If you have a total receipt and need to find the original price before tax, use the reverse sales tax formula: divide the total by (1 + tax rate). For example, a $1060.00 total with 6.00% tax means the original price was $1,000 ($1060.00 ÷ 1.600). This is useful for expense reports and bookkeeping.

Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect Kentucky sales tax on purchases shipped to KY residents. Most online purchases now include Kentucky sales tax based on the buyer's location, including any applicable local taxes.

Kentucky Sales Tax Key Rates (2026)

Kentucky State Rate

Kentucky Avg Local Rate

0.00%

Kentucky Combined Rate

6.00%

Tax on $1,000

$60.00

Total on $1,000

$1060.00

Kentucky Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?

The state sales tax rate in Kentucky is 6%. With average local taxes, the combined rate is approximately 6.00%. Actual rates may vary by city and county within Kentucky.

Does Kentucky have local sales tax?

Kentucky does not allow local jurisdictions to add their own sales taxes. The 6% state rate applies uniformly across the entire state.

What items are exempt from sales tax in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, groceries, prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax. Exemptions may vary at the local level.

How do I calculate sales tax in Kentucky?

Multiply the purchase price by the combined tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at the 6.00% combined rate in Kentucky: $100 × 0.600 = $6.00 in tax. Total price: $106.00.

Does Kentucky charge sales tax on online purchases?

Yes. Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect Kentucky sales tax on purchases shipped to Kentucky residents. The rate is based on the buyer's location within Kentucky.

Nearby State Sales Tax Calculators

All 50 States Illinois (8.86%)Indiana (7.00%)Ohio (7.23%)West Virginia (6.55%)Virginia (5.75%)

Rachel MitchellCPA

Lead Tax Analyst & Editorial Director, TheTaxCalc

Rachel Mitchell is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Illinois with over 12 years of experience in individual and small-business taxation. She specializes in federal and state income tax compliance, FICA optimization, payroll tax strategy, and multi-state tax planning. Rachel holds an MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. Before joining TheTaxCalc, Rachel spent 8 years at a Big Four accounting firm advising high-net-worth clients on tax-efficient wealth strategies.

Reviewed: January 2026Tax data verified against IRS Publication 15-T & state revenue departments