Side Income Tax Calculator for Kentucky

Side income in Kentucky is subject to federal income tax at your marginal rate, self-employment tax if applicable, and a flat 3.5% Kentucky state income tax. Because side income typically stacks on top of your W-2 salary, it is often taxed at your highest marginal rates. Local income taxes in some Kentucky jurisdictions add further cost. The combined marginal rate on side income can easily exceed 40% for mid-to-high earners. This calculator breaks down exactly what you keep from each dollar of side income in Kentucky.

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 side income 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.