Kentucky Paycheck Calculator 2026
Calculate your take-home pay in Kentucky after federal taxes, FICA, and Kentucky state taxes. Free, instant, and updated for tax year 2026.
Your details
Advanced (pre-tax deductions)
Annual breakdown
- Gross income$85,000
- Federal income tax(11.6%)-$9,870
- Social Security (6.2%)(6.2%)-$5,270
- Medicare (1.45%)(1.5%)-$1,233
- Kentucky state tax(4.0%)-$3,400
- Take-home pay(76.7%)$65,228
Calculations use projected 2026 IRS brackets, standard deduction, and FICA rates. Read full disclaimer.
How Kentucky taxes your paycheck in 2026
Kentucky uses a flat 4% income tax, reduced from 4.5% in 2024.
When you look at your Kentucky paycheck, you'll see several deductions: federal income tax (withheld based on your W-4 and filing status), FICA (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%), and a flat 4.00% Kentucky state tax on your taxable income.
Federal tax brackets for 2026
Before your Kentucky tax, the IRS takes federal income tax. The 2026 federal brackets (for a single filer, Rev. Proc. 2025-32) are:
| Income range | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $12,400 | 10% |
| $12,400 – $50,400 | 12% |
| $50,400 – $105,700 | 22% |
| $105,700 – $201,775 | 24% |
| $201,775 – $256,225 | 32% |
| $256,225 – $640,600 | 35% |
| $640,600 – ∞ | 37% |
Standard deduction (federal)
For tax year 2026, the federal standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly.
FICA tax breakdown
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 (2026 wage base)
- Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, with no cap
- Additional Medicare: 0.9% on wages over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ)
FICA is a federal tax, so your Kentucky rate is identical to every other state. Your employer pays a matching 6.2% + 1.45% for you (self-employed workers pay both halves).