Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator
Kentucky sales tax applies to most retail sales of tangible goods and some services. This calculator shows the combined state and local sales tax rate for any location in Kentucky and lets you work out the tax on a given purchase price or reverse-calculate the pre-tax amount from a total. Select your county or city to load the exact local rate on top of the Kentucky statewide base rate, then enter any purchase amount to see the tax and total immediately. Rates and jurisdictions are sourced from Kentucky Department of Revenue and reflect current Kentucky law. Sales tax in Kentucky applies at the point of sale for most tangible personal property; groceries, prescription drugs, and other categories may be exempt or taxed at a reduced rate depending on state law. Use the calculator to compare totals across different jurisdictions, or to verify a receipt. The combined rate shown is the rate applicable at a specific location and accounts for any special district taxes layered on top of the county or municipal rate.
Kentucky's state sales tax base rate is 6%. There are no local sales taxes, so this is the rate statewide.
How sales tax works in Kentucky
Kentucky charges a statewide base sales tax of 6%. Single statewide rate of 6% with no county or city sales taxes. There are no local sales taxes, so the rate is the same across Kentucky. Your result updates the page link, so you can copy a permalink to any calculation.
sales tax = pre-tax price x (state rate + local rate) / 100
total = pre-tax price + sales tax
What is taxed in Kentucky
| Groceries | Exempt |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | Exempt |
| Clothing | Taxable |
Food and food ingredients for human consumption are exempt under KRS 139.485; prepared food, candy, soft drinks and dietary supplements are taxable.
Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Kentucky sales tax: frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?
Kentucky's statewide base rate is 6%. The rate is 6% everywhere in Kentucky; there are no county or city sales taxes.
Are groceries taxed in Kentucky?
Food and food ingredients for human consumption are exempt under KRS 139.485; prepared food, candy, soft drinks and dietary supplements are taxable.
How do I remove sales tax from a total in Kentucky?
Switch the calculator to Remove tax and enter the tax-inclusive total. It divides by 1 plus the combined rate to find the pre-tax price, then shows the tax.
Does Kentucky have local sales taxes?
No. Kentucky levies a single statewide sales and use tax of 6% and has no local (county or city) sales taxes, so the rate is the same throughout the Commonwealth.
Are groceries and prescription drugs taxed in Kentucky?
No. Food and food ingredients (groceries) are exempt under KRS 139.485, and drugs requiring a prescription are exempt. Clothing, prepared food, candy and soft drinks remain taxable at 6%.
Official sources
- State base rate (6%): Kentucky Department of Revenue, as at Jun 11, 2026.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 11 June 2026. See our methodology. General information, not financial or tax advice.