How Kentucky taxes your income
Kentucky has a flat 3.5% state income tax for 2026. The Kentucky salary calculator above works out federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and the Kentucky items listed here, then shows what is left each year, month, week and hour.
- Standard deduction: $3,360.
- Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your Kentucky taxable wages.
Kentucky tax rate
Kentucky applies one rate of 3.5% to all taxable income.
Notes about Kentucky rules
Kentucky does not double the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly.
What this calculator includes
It uses 2026 federal income tax brackets for single filers and married couples filing jointly, Social Security and Medicare tax, and the Kentucky rules above. It does not include dependents, tax credits other than those listed, itemized deductions, self-employment tax, or head of household filing.
Local occupational license taxes are common in Kentucky and are not included. Local income taxes average about 0.93% of income statewide.
Rates, brackets and deductions as published for tax year 2026 (state data sourced February 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What is the state income tax rate in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses a flat rate of 3.5% on taxable income for 2026. Taxable income is your wages after the deductions and exemptions listed on this page.
What deductions does Kentucky allow in this calculator?
Kentucky has a standard deduction of $3,360. These are the only Kentucky deductions and credits the calculator uses. Itemized deductions and dependents are not included.
Do 401(k) contributions lower my Kentucky income tax?
Yes. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions are taken out of your Kentucky taxable wages as well as your federal taxable wages. They do not reduce Social Security or Medicare tax.
Which federal taxes apply to my pay in Kentucky?
Federal income tax uses 2026 brackets from 10% to 37% after the $16,100 standard deduction for single filers. Social Security is 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 and Medicare is 1.45% on all wages, with 0.9% extra above $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers).
Does this calculator include local taxes?
Local occupational license taxes are common in Kentucky and are not included. Local income taxes average about 0.93% of income statewide. Other local payroll taxes, such as transit levies, are also not included.
How is the hourly figure calculated?
Your yearly take-home pay is divided by the hours you enter per week multiplied by 52 weeks.
How current is the Kentucky data?
Rates, brackets and deductions as published for tax year 2026 (state data sourced February 2026). Tax laws change, so confirm important numbers with the official sources listed below.
Official and data sources
- Kentucky – state tax agency
- IRS – Federal income tax rates and brackets
- Social Security Administration – Contribution and benefit base
- Tax Foundation – State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026
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Also for Kentucky: Kentucky Income Tax Calculator · Kentucky Paycheck Calculator
Disclaimer: results are estimates for information only. They are not tax, legal or financial advice.