Kentucky Payroll Calculator
Free Kentucky (KY) payroll calculator with 2026 state and federal tax rates. Estimates are for planning — not tax advice.
Paycheck Breakdown
- Gross Pay$1,938.46
- Federal Income Tax−$148.77
- Kentucky State Tax−$63.32
- Social Security (6.2%)−$60.09
- Medicare (1.45%)−$14.05
- Local Tax−$18.03
- Net Pay$1,634.20
Employer Payroll Cost
- Employer SS Match (6.2%)$120.18
- Employer Medicare (1.45%)$28.11
Kentucky Paycheck & Tax Overview
Kentucky’s flat 3.5% rate is paired with local occupational taxes in cities like Louisville. The Kentucky minimum wage is $7.25/hour as of 2026 (verify with your state labor department for the latest rate). Workers in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and elsewhere in Kentucky use this Kentucky payroll calculator with 2026 tax tables — Kentucky applies a 3.
Kentucky workers may also owe city or county income tax. Our calculator adds a statewide average local rate of 0.9% where applicable — your city may differ (check your local revenue office).
Kentucky State Income Tax Brackets — 2026
| Taxable income (annual) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Flat rate on taxable wages | 3.50% |
Typical local/city income tax (statewide average): 0.93% — included in calculator estimates where applicable.
Example: Kentucky paycheck for $50,400/year salary
Single filer, biweekly pay — estimated $1,938 gross per check, about $1,634 take-home after federal ($149), state ($63), and FICA ($74). Enter your own numbers in the calculator for a personalized result.
Official tax sources
We align calculations with IRS Publication 15-T and state revenue guidance. Verify rules on official sites:
More Kentucky calculator tools
All state calculators · ← US Paycheck Calculator · Kentucky Pay Stub Generator →
Kentucky Paycheck Calculator FAQ
Does Kentucky have state income tax on paychecks?
Yes. Kentucky applies a 3.5% flat state income tax on taxable wages after deductions. Local/city taxes add approximately 0.93% based on statewide averages.
How much tax is taken out of a $50,400/year salary paycheck in Kentucky?
For a single filer paid biweekly, estimated biweekly gross is about $1,938 with net take-home around $1,634 (federal ~$149, state ~$63, FICA ~$74). Your actual check varies with W-4, benefits, and local taxes.
Does Kentucky have local tax on paychecks?
Many Kentucky cities and counties add local income tax on wages. This calculator includes a statewide average local rate of about 0.93% — verify your municipality on your state revenue site.
What is the Kentucky minimum wage for 2026?
Kentucky's reference minimum wage on this page is $7.25/hour. Minimum wage affects gross pay; net pay depends on withholding and deductions in the calculator above.
What payroll taxes do Kentucky employers pay?
Employers match employee Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45%). Kentucky may require state unemployment and withholding deposits — employee state income tax is separate from employer FICA.
Is this Kentucky calculator updated for 2026?
Yes. We update Kentucky brackets, flat rates, SDI, and federal tables each tax year. Last reviewed for the 2026 tax year. Estimates only — not tax advice.