Navigating the complexities of state taxes can be daunting, but understanding Kentucky's tax landscape is essential for residents and newcomers alike.
In this guide, we'll explore key components of The Bluegrass State's tax system, from income and sales taxes to property taxes and retirement benefits.
Kentucky state tax: Overview
Kentucky offers a flat personal income tax, local wage taxes, and an inheritance tax, but it keeps things simple by preventing local sales tax hikes. Property taxes are among the lowest in the region, making Kentucky appealing for homeowners.
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With talk of possible tax reform, there could be even more changes on the horizon to make the state more attractive to businesses and residents.
For instance, the Bluegrass State has voted to lower its income tax rate. For more information, see Kentucky Has a New Income Tax Rate: What to Know.
Here's more on Kentucky taxes.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
Kentucky income tax rate
Kentucky generally has a flat income tax rate for 2025 of 4.0%. Lawmakers voted earlier this year to lower the rate to 3.5%, which will take effect in January 2026.
Kentucky retirement taxes
- Social Security: Not taxable
- Pensions: Partially Taxable
- 401(k) and IRA Distributions: Taxable
- Railroad Retirement benefits are also exempt from tax in Kentucky.
Note: A $31,110 deduction is available in Kentucky for state, private and military retirement plans.
Kentucky sales tax
Kentucky's state sales tax rate is 6%. There are no local taxes in the state.
Groceries: Exempt
Clothing: Taxable
Motor Vehicles: Exempt if 6% motor vehicle usage tax is paid
Prescription Drugs: Exempt
How much are property taxes in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the average property tax paid is 0.74% per assessed home value, according to the Tax Foundation.
Kentucky Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
For homeowners 65 and older, $49,100 of the assessed value of residential property is exempt from Kentucky taxes for 2024.
Kentucky gas tax
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Gasoline | $0.25 per gallon |
Diesel | $0.22 per gallon |
Source: The Sales Tax Handbook
Kentucky taxes on alcohol and tobacco
Kentucky tobacco taxes
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Cigarettes | $1.10 per pack of 20 |
Snuff | $0.19 per unit of 1.5 ounces |
Other tobacco products | 15% of wholesale price |
Source: The Sales Tax Handbook
Kentucky alcohol taxes
Product | Tax |
|---|---|
Beer | $0.08 per gallon |
Wine | $0.50 per gallon |
Liquor | $1.92 per gallon |
Note: A 10.75% sales tax is also charged at the wholesale level.
Source: The Sales Tax Handbook
Kentucky estate and inheritance taxes
Kentucky has an inheritance tax, but the decedent's spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings are exempt.
- Nieces, nephews, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, aunts, uncles, and great-grandchildren are taxed at rates ranging from 4% to 16%, depending on the value of the property inherited (the first $1,000 of property is exempt).
- All other heirs are taxed at rates ranging from 6% to 16% (their exemption is only for the first $500 of property).
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