Kentucky Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax burden in Kentucky. See KY state income tax (4% top rate), federal tax, and FICA combined. Free, instant, private.
Kentucky Income Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Kentucky median: $55,573
Your Total Tax Burden
$10,978
Take-Home: $44,595 · Effective Rate: 19.8%
Federal Tax
$4,630
8.3% eff.
KY State Tax
$2,097
3.8% eff.
FICA
$4,251
7.6% eff.
Take-Home
$44,595
80.2% kept
Tax Breakdown
Kentucky Tax Bracket Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $55,573.00 | $4,631.08 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$4,630.26 | -$385.86 |
| Kentucky State Tax | -$2,096.52 | -$174.71 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,445.53 | -$287.13 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$805.81 | -$67.15 |
| Take-Home Pay | $44,594.89 | $3,716.24 |
Marginal Tax Rate
4%
KY state only
Effective Tax Rate
19.8%
All taxes combined
Kentucky Tax System Overview
Kentucky has a flat 4% income tax, reduced from 5% in 2023. The state has an inheritance tax of 4% to 16% on non-immediate family. Property taxes are moderate at 0.80%. Sales tax is a uniform 6%.
Top Income Tax
4%
Property Tax
0.8%
Sales Tax (Avg)
6%
Median Income
$55,573
Other Taxes in Kentucky
Capital Gains Tax
Taxed as regular income at 4%
Property Tax
Average effective rate of 0.8%. On a $300,000 home, this equals approximately $2,400 per year, or $200 per month.
Sales Tax
State rate of 6%, with a combined average of 6% including local taxes.
Estate & Inheritance Tax
Kentucky has an inheritance tax. The rate depends on the beneficiary's relationship to the deceased.
Filing Tips for Kentucky
Flat 4% simplifies planning. Be aware of inheritance tax for non-immediate family. Kentucky offers pension exclusions up to $31,110. Standard deduction is low ($3,160).
- Maximize pre-tax contributions to 401(k) ($23,500 limit in 2026, $31,000 if 50+) to reduce both federal and KY state taxable income.
- Use an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan. Contributions ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family) are pre-tax and reduce your tax burden.
- Review your W-4. If you regularly get large refunds, adjust your withholding to keep more money in each paycheck throughout the year.
Compare Kentucky to Nearby States
If you lived in a neighboring state instead, here is how your state tax would change on $55,573 income:
| State | Top Rate | State Tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 4% | $2,097 | — |
| Illinois | 4.95% | $2,751 | +$654 |
| Indiana | 3.05% | $1,695 | Save $402 |
| Ohio | 3.5% | $812 | Save $1,285 |
| West Virginia | 5.12% | $1,975 | Save $122 |
Explore All 50 State Tax Calculators
Compare income tax rates, property taxes, and sales taxes across all US states and DC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income tax rate in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 4%. This means all taxable income is taxed at the same rate regardless of how much you earn. Flat 4% (reduced from 5%). Inheritance tax (4-16%). Pension exclusion up to $31,110.
How much state tax will I pay in Kentucky on $55,573?
On income of $55,573 filing single in Kentucky, you would pay approximately $2,097 in state income tax (effective rate of 3.8%). This is after the state standard deduction of $3,160.
Does Kentucky tax capital gains?
Taxed as regular income at 4%. Capital gains treatment varies by state — some tax them as regular income while others offer exclusions or preferential rates.
How does Kentucky compare to neighboring states for taxes?
Kentucky's neighboring states include Illinois (4.95% top rate), Indiana (3.05% top rate), Ohio (3.5% top rate). Property tax rates, sales taxes, and cost of living should also be considered when comparing overall tax burden. Use the calculator above to compare your specific tax liability across states.