Kentucky sales tax rates
| State rate | 6.00% | Tied for the 17th highest of 51 |
|---|---|---|
| Average local rate | 0.00% | No local sales taxes |
| Average combined rate | 6.00% | Tied for the 11th lowest of 51 |
Rates as of July 1, 2026, from the Tax Foundation. The local average is weighted by population, so your city or county can be higher or lower. Check the Kentucky revenue department for the exact rate at an address.
Sales tax on common prices in Kentucky
Tax and total at the 6% rate, which applies everywhere in Kentucky.
| Price | Sales tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.60 | $10.60 |
| $20.00 | $1.20 | $21.20 |
| $25.00 | $1.50 | $26.50 |
| $50.00 | $3.00 | $53.00 |
| $100.00 | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $200.00 | $12.00 | $212.00 |
| $500.00 | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000.00 | $60.00 | $1,060.00 |
| $2,500.00 | $150.00 | $2,650.00 |
| $5,000.00 | $300.00 | $5,300.00 |
How to work out Kentucky sales tax
Multiply the price by the rate as a decimal. At 6%, a $100.00 purchase has $100.00 × 0.06 = $6.00 of tax, so you pay $106.00. To get the price before tax out of a receipt, divide by 1 plus the rate: a total of $100.00 was $94.34 before tax.
Kentucky compared with neighboring states
Average combined rates in the states that border Kentucky, with the tax on a $100.00 purchase.
| State | State rate | Combined | Tax on $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 5.30% | 5.77% | $5.77 |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 6.60% | $6.60 |
| Indiana | 7.00% | 7.00% | $7.00 |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 7.29% | $7.29 |
| Missouri | 4.225% | 8.44% | $8.44 |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 8.98% | $8.98 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.61% | $9.61 |
| Kentucky | 6.00% | 6.00% | $6.00 |
Selling abroad or buying from Europe? Other countries charge value-added tax instead, which the VAT calculator handles. For a restaurant bill, the tip and split calculator works out the tip and each share.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?
6%. Kentucky has no local sales taxes on average, so 6% is the rate that applies.
How much is the sales tax on $100.00 in Kentucky?
At the 6% rate, the tax on $100.00 is $6.00, for a total of $106.00.
How does Kentucky compare with its neighbors?
Average combined rates in the neighboring states: Virginia 5.77%, West Virginia 6.6%, Indiana 7%, Ohio 7.29%, Missouri 8.44%, Illinois 8.98%, Tennessee 9.61%. Kentucky averages 6%.