Kentucky take-home pay examples (2026)
Single filer, paid every two weeks, no 401(k) or pre-tax benefits.
| Salary | Federal tax | FICA | State & payroll | Take-home / year | Per paycheck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $3,060 | $1,282 | $33,038 | $1,270.68 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $4,590 | $1,982 | $48,408 | $1,861.83 |
| $80,000 | $8,770 | $6,120 | $2,682 | $62,428 | $2,401.06 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,650 | $3,382 | $75,798 | $2,915.29 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $11,475 | $5,132 | $108,659 | $4,179.18 |
Kentucky income tax rates for 2026
Kentucky uses a single flat rate of 3.5% on taxable wages after a standard deduction of $3,360 (single) or $3,360 (married filing jointly). On a $60,000 salary that works out to about $1,982 a year.
Local income taxes
Most Kentucky cities and many counties charge an occupational license tax on wages earned there, usually between 0.5% and 2.5%. Louisville Metro charges 2.2% for residents and 1.45% for people who work there but live elsewhere. Lexington-Fayette charges 2.25%. Some school districts add their own tax for residents. Choose your local rate in the calculator.
Federal taxes on every Kentucky paycheck
- Federal income tax: 10% to 37% on income after the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married).
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500.
- Medicare: 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% on wages above $200,000.
Good to know
- Kentucky’s income tax rate fell from 4% to 3.5% on 1 January 2026.
- The standard deduction is $3,360 for 2026 and is the same for every filer. Married couples who both work each get their own deduction.
- Kentucky has no special flat rate for bonuses: they are taxed like regular pay.
More Kentucky tools: Kentucky sales tax calculator · bonus tax calculator · overtime calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is $60,000 a year after taxes in Kentucky?
A single filer earning $60,000 in Kentucky takes home about $48,408 a year, or $1,861.83 every two weeks, after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and Kentucky income tax (2026 rates, no pre-tax deductions).
Does Kentucky have a state income tax?
Yes. Kentucky taxes wages at a flat 3.5%. The 2026 standard deduction for a single filer is $3,360.
Are there local income taxes in Kentucky?
Most Kentucky cities and many counties charge an occupational license tax on wages earned there, usually between 0.5% and 2.5%. Louisville Metro charges 2.2% for residents and 1.45% for people who work there but live elsewhere. Lexington-Fayette charges 2.25%. Some school districts add their own tax for residents. Choose your local rate in the calculator.
How is a Kentucky bonus taxed?
Bonuses paid separately usually have 22% federal income tax withheld (37% above $1 million), plus 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare, plus Kentucky income tax.
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