Kentucky Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
Kentucky keeps sales tax simple: the state imposes a flat 6% sales tax on most tangible goods and certain services, and — unlike the majority of states — Kentucky does not allow counties or cities to add local sales taxes. That means no matter where you shop in the Bluegrass State, from Louisville to Lexington to Bowling Green, the rate you pay is always 6%.
The combined average rate equals the state rate: 6.00%, making Kentucky one of only a handful of states where state and combined rates are identical (Tax Foundation, 2025).
What is taxable? Most tangible personal property, plus digital goods, some services, and select prepared foods. What is exempt? Under KRS 139.485, unprepared groceries — bread, produce, meat, dairy — are exempt from sales tax. However, candy, soft drinks, dietary supplements, and prepared/heated foods sold by retailers are taxable at the full 6%.
Worked example: If you buy a new laptop for $100 in Lexington, Kentucky, you pay $6.00 in sales tax (100 × 0.06), for a total of $106.00. That same math applies statewide — no ZIP-code lookup required.
To use this calculator, enter the purchase amount and the rate is pre-filled at 6%. Hit Calculate to see your tax and total instantly.
Practical example — Kentucky
Buying a $250 television in Frankfort, Kentucky costs exactly $15.00 in sales tax (6%), for a $265.00 total — the same calculation applies in every Kentucky city.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?
Kentucky's state sales tax rate is 6%. Because Kentucky does not allow local jurisdictions to levy their own sales taxes, the combined rate is also exactly 6% everywhere in the state.
Does Kentucky have local sales tax?
No. Counties and municipalities in Kentucky are prohibited from imposing local sales taxes. The 6% state rate is the only sales tax you will pay on eligible purchases, regardless of the city or county.
Are groceries taxed in Kentucky?
Most unprepared groceries — food and food ingredients intended for home consumption such as bread, milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables — are exempt from Kentucky sales tax under KRS 139.485. However, candy, soft drinks, dietary supplements, and prepared or heated foods sold by retailers are taxable at the standard 6% rate.
Are prescription drugs exempt from Kentucky sales tax?
Yes. Prescription drugs are exempt from Kentucky sales tax. Over-the-counter medications, however, are generally subject to the 6% rate.
How does Kentucky's 6% rate compare to other states?
Kentucky's 6% combined rate is close to the national average combined rate of roughly 7–8%. Because Kentucky has no local sales taxes, shoppers benefit from a single, predictable rate and avoid the higher combined rates common in states like Tennessee (9.55%) or Arkansas (9.46%).