Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Kentucky Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
6.00%
Average combined (state + local)
6.00%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $6.00
- Combined (state + average local): $6.00
- Total with combined tax: $106.00
Major cities in Kentucky
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 6.00% | +0.00% |
| Lexington | 6.00% | +0.00% |
| Bowling Green | 6.00% | +0.00% |
| Owensboro | 6.00% | +0.00% |
| Covington | 6.00% | +0.00% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs KY | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | 6.00% | 6.00% | — | — |
| Virginia | 5.30% | 5.77% | -0.23% | $2.30 |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 6.56% | +0.56% | — |
| Indiana | 7.00% | 7.00% | +1.00% | — |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 7.26% | +1.26% | — |
| Missouri | 4.23% | 8.38% | +2.38% | — |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 8.88% | +2.88% | — |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | +3.55% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?
- Kentucky levies a 6.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 6.00%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Kentucky tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Kentucky. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does Kentucky have a sales tax holiday?
- Kentucky does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Kentucky?
- The Kentucky Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Kentucky must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Kentucky DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy