Kentucky Paycheck Calculator 2026 – Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our free Kentucky Paycheck Calculator to estimate your net pay for the 2026 tax year. This tool acts as a KY net pay calculator by computing Federal withholding, FICA taxes, and Kentucky income tax at the state's flat rate of 5.0%. Because Kentucky uses a simple flat tax rather than progressive brackets, calculating your Kentucky take home pay is straightforward and consistent regardless of income level.
- State Tax Rate: 5.0% (Flat Rate)
- Local Tax: Varies by city/county (Occupational Tax)
- Federal Tax: 10% – 37% (Based on brackets)
- FICA Tax: 7.65% (Federal)
How the Kentucky Paycheck Calculator Works
Our Kentucky gross to net calculator uses the latest 2026 tax formulas to convert your salary into take-home pay. We start with your gross earnings and subtract:
- Federal Withholding: Based on your W-4 filing status.
- FICA Taxes: Mandatory contributions for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
- Kentucky State Tax: Calculated at a flat 5.0% rate on your taxable income.
Note: This calculator does not include local occupational taxes, which are common in cities like Louisville and Lexington and can be 1-2% of your income.
Kentucky Income Tax Rate (2026)
Kentucky has a straightforward flat income tax system. This makes the KY withholding calculator logic highly predictable at the state level.
| Filing Status | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 5.0% (Flat) |
| Married Filing Jointly | 5.0% (Flat) |
| Head of Household | 5.0% (Flat) |
Note: While the state rate is flat, many Kentucky cities and counties levy an "occupational license tax" on wages, which acts as a local income tax.
Federal Taxes That Apply to Your Paycheck
Federal Income Tax
The IRS imposes a progressive tax ranging from 10% to 37%. Your specific rate depends on your filing status and total taxable income.
Social Security & Medicare (FICA)
Every Kentucky paystub calculator must account for FICA. This deducts 6.2% of your gross pay for Social Security (up to the wage limit) and 1.45% for Medicare (on all earnings).
Kentucky Paycheck After Taxes for $60,000 Salary
If you are a single filer in a city with no local tax earning $60,000 per year, your breakdown looks like this:
| Tax Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax (Est.) | $5,900 |
| FICA (7.65%) | $4,590 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | $2,850 |
| Estimated Take-Home Pay | $46,660 |
Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
Kentucky adheres to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live, especially for housing.
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
To maximize your KY salary calculator results, ensure your W-4 form is accurate. Contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts (401k/403b) reduces your taxable income, which lowers both your federal and flat 5.0% state tax liability.
FAQs – Kentucky Paycheck Calculator
What is the income tax rate in Kentucky for 2026?
Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate of 5.0% for all income levels and filing statuses for the 2026 tax year.
Does Kentucky tax overtime pay?
Yes, overtime pay is taxed at the same flat 5.0% rate as regular wages.
Are there local city taxes in Kentucky?
Yes. Many cities and counties in Kentucky, such as Louisville and Lexington, levy a local "occupational tax" on wages, which functions like a local income tax. This calculator does not include local taxes.