💰 Free Payroll Calculator — 2026 Tax Year
Calculate your take-home pay with federal & state taxes
Kentucky Payroll Tax Overview for 2026
Kentucky levies a state income tax with rates ranging from 4%. When calculating payroll in Kentucky, employers must withhold both federal and state income taxes, along with FICA contributions (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%).
Kentucky Income Tax Brackets (2026)
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0.00 — and above | 4% |
Additional Kentucky Payroll Information
- Minimum Wage (2026): $7.25 per hour
- State Unemployment Insurance (SUI): 0.3-9% (employer-paid)
- Capital: Frankfort
- Population: 4.5M
Note: Flat tax. Moving toward further rate reductions.
Kentucky Take-Home Pay Examples
See how much you'd take home at different salary levels in Kentucky (single filer, 2026 tax year):
| Annual Salary | Federal Tax | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000.00 | $3,877.50 | $2,000.00 | $3,825.00 | $40,297.50 | 19.41% |
| $75,000.00 | $7,960.00 | $3,000.00 | $5,737.50 | $58,302.50 | 22.26% |
| $100,000.00 | $13,460.00 | $4,000.00 | $7,650.00 | $74,890.00 | 25.11% |
Employer Payroll Tax Cost in Kentucky
Employers in Kentucky must pay additional payroll taxes on top of each employee's salary. Here's the employer cost breakdown for a $75,000 salary:
Employer SS (6.2%)
$4,650.00
Employer Medicare (1.45%)
$1,087.50
FUTA (0.6%)
$42.00
Total Employer Cost
$80,779.50
+7.71% above salary
Kentucky Payroll FAQ
Payroll Calculators for Other States
Disclaimer: This Kentucky payroll calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax withholdings may vary based on local taxes, additional deductions, and individual circumstances. Kentucky tax rates are based on 2026 figures from the IRS and Kentucky Department of Revenue. Consult a qualified tax professional for accurate payroll advice.