States/Kentucky/Local Jurisdictions

Kentucky Local Occupational Taxes

Many Kentucky cities and counties levy occupational license taxes (also called payroll taxes) on wages. Both employers and employees may have obligations. Rates range from 1.5% to 2.5%.

200+
Taxing Jurisdictions
2.5%
Highest Rate
Work
Location Based
Quarterly
Filing Frequency

Kentucky Occupational Tax Rules

Occupational license tax: Kentucky cities call this an "occupational license tax" or "occupational tax"—it functions like a local income tax.

Work location: Tax is based on where work is performed. Employers withhold for the work city/county.

Credit for other taxes: Most jurisdictions allow credit for taxes paid to other KY localities, preventing double taxation.

Business net profits: Many cities also tax business net profits at similar rates.

Major Cities with Occupational Tax