Kentucky charges 3.5% flat state income tax plus local taxes in some areas. Use the relocation tax calculator pre-loaded with Kentucky rates.
Open Relocation Tax Calculator →Relocating to Kentucky means adjusting to its flat 3.5% state income tax plus local income taxes in some areas. Whether this helps or hurts depends on where you are coming from. Moving from a high-tax state like California or New York could still save you money, while relocating from a no-tax state will reduce your take-home. Kentucky's cost of living index of 90 is another crucial factor: a lower salary in a cheaper area can still leave you better off. This calculator compares your current and post-move take-home with Kentucky's rates.
Kentucky levies a flat 3.5% state income tax on all taxable income regardless of how much you earn. This makes tax planning straightforward: for every additional dollar you earn, 3.5 cents goes to Kentucky. However, certain localities in Kentucky impose their own income taxes, which effectively raise the combined state and local rate above 3.5%. Be sure to check whether your city or county adds a local income tax.
The table below shows what you actually keep at five salary levels in Kentucky, accounting for federal tax, FICA, and Kentucky's flat 3.5% state tax plus estimated local taxes.
See how Kentucky compares to other South states. Each link takes you to the relocation tax calculator landing page for that state.
For a comprehensive breakdown of Kentucky’s tax structure, salary comparisons, cost-of-living analysis, and more, visit the full Kentucky take-home pay page.