Kentucky paycheck taxes at a glance
Kentucky has a flat 3.5% income tax. Every paycheck also has federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) withheld. This calculator uses 2026 Kentucky rules and 2026 federal brackets.
| Income tax | Flat 3.5% |
| Standard deduction | $3,360 single · $3,360 married |
| Personal exemption | $0 single · $0 married |
| 401(k) contributions | Excluded from state taxable wages |
| Local income taxes | In some cities/counties — Many cities and counties levy occupational license taxes on wages; rates vary by locality (Tax Foundation estimates ~0.93% of AGI on average where they apply). |
| State payroll deductions | None |
The calculator applies the main Kentucky rates, deductions, exemptions and credits above. Dependent credits, itemized deductions and special rules for very high incomes are not included.
Take-home pay examples in Kentucky
Single filer, standard deduction, no 401(k), paid bi-weekly.
| Salary | Take-home / year | / month | / paycheck | State & local tax | Total tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,038 | $2,753 | $1,271 | $1,282 | 17.4% |
| $60,000 | $48,408 | $4,034 | $1,862 | $1,982 | 19.3% |
| $80,000 | $62,428 | $5,202 | $2,401 | $2,682 | 22.0% |
| $100,000 | $75,798 | $6,316 | $2,915 | $3,382 | 24.2% |
| $150,000 | $108,659 | $9,055 | $4,179 | $5,132 | 27.6% |
Full breakdown by salary: $30,000 · $40,000 · $50,000 · $60,000 · $70,000 · $80,000 · $90,000 · $100,000 · $120,000 · $150,000
Good to know
- Kentucky's flat income tax rate fell from 4% to 3.5% on January 1, 2026.
- Kentucky's 2026 standard deduction is $3,360, up $90 for inflation.
- Kentucky has no local sales taxes, but many cities and counties tax wages through occupational license taxes.
Also see the Kentucky sales tax calculator.
Sources
Paycheck calculators for other states
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kentucky income tax rate for 2026?
Kentucky has a flat income tax of 3.5% on taxable income for 2026.
How much is $60,000 a year after taxes in Kentucky?
A single filer earning $60,000 takes home about $48,408 a year ($4,034 a month) in Kentucky, after federal income tax ($5,020), Social Security and Medicare ($4,590) and Kentucky income tax ($1,982), using 2026 rules and the standard deduction.
Are 401(k) contributions taxed in Kentucky?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions lower both your federal and Kentucky taxable income. They are still subject to Social Security and Medicare.
Do cities or counties in Kentucky charge income tax?
Many cities and counties levy occupational license taxes on wages; rates vary by locality (Tax Foundation estimates ~0.93% of AGI on average where they apply).