How Kentucky Sales Tax Works
Kentucky's state government imposes a 6.00% sales tax on most retail purchases. Kentucky does not allow local jurisdictions to add their own sales tax, so the 6.00% rate is uniform across the state.
Kentucky has no local sales tax — the 6% state rate applies uniformly statewide.
Groceries in Kentucky
Kentucky exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
How Kentucky Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Kentucky versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (here) | 6.00% | 6.00% | $60.00 | — |
| Indiana | 7.00% | 7.00% | $70.00 | +$10.00 |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 7.24% | $72.40 | +$12.40 |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 6.57% | $65.70 | +$5.70 |
| Virginia | 4.30% | 5.77% | $57.70 | -$2.30 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | $95.50 | +$35.50 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kentucky sales tax rate for 2026?
Kentucky's state sales tax rate is 6.00% for 2026. Kentucky has no local sales tax, so this rate applies uniformly statewide.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Kentucky?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.00 in state sales tax. Total cost: roughly $106.00.
Are groceries taxed in Kentucky?
Kentucky exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Kentucky?
Kentucky follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Kentucky sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Kentucky's 6.00% state sales tax rate to your purchase price. Kentucky has no local sales tax, so this rate applies uniformly statewide.