Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator (2026)
Find up-to-date Kentucky sales tax rates for 2026. The state rate is 6.00%, local add-ons up to 0.00%, with an average combined rate around 6.00%. Includes exemptions and breakdowns for major cities.
Kentucky applies a flat statewide sales tax of 6%. Local governments are not allowed to add additional sales taxes, making the rate consistent across all counties and cities.
Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator
Enter a purchase amount — this calculator uses the average combined rate for Kentucky.
Overview of Kentucky Sales Tax
Kentucky’s sales tax applies to most retail goods and some services at a flat 6% rate. No local option sales taxes exist, providing simplicity for businesses operating statewide.
Comparison With Neighboring States
Indiana’s rate is 7%, Tennessee averages 9.5%, and Ohio about 7.3%. Kentucky’s 6% rate is relatively low and uniform statewide.
Business Tax Information
Businesses must register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax. Filings are generally monthly or quarterly based on sales volume.
All Cities in Kentucky
Browse detailed city-level rates across Kentucky.
Louisville
6.00%
Louisville applies Kentucky’s flat 6% statewide sales tax rate with no additional local surcharges.
Lexington
6.00%
Lexington applies the same 6% statewide tax as all other Kentucky cities.
Bowling Green
6.00%
Bowling Green applies Kentucky’s 6% sales tax across all retail purchases.
Owensboro
6.00%
Owensboro applies Kentucky’s standard 6% rate with no local additions.
Covington
6.00%
Covington’s total sales tax is 6%, the same as every other city in Kentucky.
Frankfort
6.00%
Frankfort applies Kentucky’s 6% flat sales tax with no local surcharges.
Paducah
6.00%
Paducah follows Kentucky’s uniform 6% sales tax rate, consistent statewide.
Elizabethtown
6.00%
Elizabethtown applies Kentucky’s 6% state rate with no local modifications.
Nicholasville
6.00%
Nicholasville applies a 6% total sales tax, matching Kentucky’s uniform statewide rate.
Hopkinsville
6.00%
Hopkinsville’s sales tax rate is 6%, the same as every other city in Kentucky.
FAQs for Kentucky
What is Kentucky’s sales tax rate?
6% statewide, with no local additions.
Do cities or counties have local sales tax?
No, the rate is uniform statewide.
Are groceries taxed?
Yes, most grocery items are taxable at 6%.
How often does the rate change?
Kentucky’s rate has remained 6% since 1990.