How Kentucky taxes your paycheck in 2026
Kentucky's flat income tax fell to 3.5% for 2026, and most cities and counties add their own occupational tax on wages.
- Kentucky lowered its rate from 4% to 3.5% on January 1, 2026, as part of a step-by-step plan to phase down the income tax.
- The standard deduction is $3,360 and isn't doubled for married couples filing jointly.
- Most Kentucky cities and counties charge an occupational license tax on wages, often 1%–2.5%. Add your local rate under More options.
Take-home pay in Kentucky at common salaries
| Salary | Take-home per year | Every 2 weeks | Kentucky taxes | Total tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,038 | $1,271 | $1,282 | 17.4% |
| $60,000 | $48,408 | $1,862 | $1,982 | 19.3% |
| $75,000 | $59,085 | $2,273 | $2,507 | 21.2% |
| $100,000 | $75,798 | $2,915 | $3,382 | 24.2% |
| $150,000 | $108,659 | $4,179 | $5,132 | 27.6% |
Single filer, paid every two weeks, no 401(k) or pre-tax benefits, excluding local taxes.
Example
A single filer in Kentucky earning $75,000 a year, paid every two weeks with no 401(k), takes home about $2,273 per paycheck, or $59,085 a year. Federal income tax is about $7,670, Social Security and Medicare $5,738, and Kentucky taxes $2,507.
Not in Kentucky?
Use our main paycheck calculator for any state, or browse paycheck calculators by state.
This calculator estimates your yearly tax and spreads it evenly across paychecks. Your employer's withholding depends on your W-4 and state forms, so individual paychecks can differ slightly. It doesn't include tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit.
Common questions
What is Kentucky's income tax rate for 2026?
A flat 3.5%, down from 4% in 2025.
Do Kentucky cities have income tax?
Yes. Many cities and counties charge an occupational tax on wages — about 2.2% in Louisville and 2.25% in Lexington.
What is Kentucky's standard deduction?
$3,360 for 2026.
How much is $75,000 a year after taxes in Kentucky?
About $59,085 a year, or $2,273 every two weeks, for a single filer with no 401(k) contributions, before any local income tax.
More calculators
- Paycheck calculatorTake-home pay after taxes and 401(k)
- Louisiana paycheckFlat 3%
- Mississippi paycheck4% above $10,000
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Last updated .