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Kentucky car sales tax calculator

Estimated sales tax on a car in Kentucky
$1,200
$30,000 vehicle · $10,000 trade-in · full trade-in credit
  • Taxable amount$20,000
  • State tax (6%)$1,200.00
  • State tax saved by trade-in$600.00
  • Price + tax (before doc, title, registration)$31,200

No local vehicle tax in KY; state rate is the full tax. Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Usage Tax.

$20k used$30k car$40k + $10k trade$60k truck + $20k trade

✓ No local tax on vehicles: Kentucky's 6% motor vehicle usage tax is statewide; Kentucky has no local sales tax.

Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Usage Tax (checked October 12, 2026).

Kentucky 6% motor vehicle usage tax. Doc fees, rebates and add-ons may or may not be taxable depending on the state; not modeled.

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Kentucky car sales tax, at a glance: 6% state tax on vehicle purchases. Kentucky 6% motor vehicle usage tax. Trade-in credit: allowed. A $30,000 car owes about $1,800 in state tax, or $1,200 with a $10,000 trade-in.

Base sales tax: Tax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2026, Table 18 (State & Local Sales Tax Rates), as of January 1, 2026. Vehicle rules: Best-effort, checked October 12, 2026.

Kentucky car sales tax by price

Vehicle priceState tax, no tradeWith $10,000 trade-in
$15,000$900$300
$20,000$1,200$600
$25,000$1,500$900
$30,000$1,800$1,200
$40,000$2,400$1,800
$50,000$3,000$2,400
$60,000$3,600$3,000

State-level tax only; add your county or city rate in the calculator above.

Sources & as-of dates

Kentucky auto loan calculator → · Kentucky mortgage calculator · All states

FAQ

How much is car sales tax in Kentucky?

6% at the state level. Kentucky 6% motor vehicle usage tax. Local taxes may add. On a $30,000 car with no trade-in that's about $1,800 in state tax.

Does Kentucky charge sales tax on a trade-in?

Yes. Kentucky generally taxes the price minus your trade-in value, so a $10,000 trade-in on a $30,000 car cuts the state tax from $1,800 to $1,200. (Best-effort; verify with the state DMV or revenue department.)

Is Kentucky's general sales tax the same as its car tax?

Kentucky's statewide general sales tax is 6% (Tax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2026, Table 18 (State & Local Sales Tax Rates), as of January 1, 2026); the rate applied to vehicles is 6%.

Does Kentucky add county or city tax on a car?

No. Kentucky's 6% motor vehicle usage tax is statewide; Kentucky has no local sales tax. (Kentucky Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Usage Tax).

Does this include the doc fee, title and registration?

No. Those vary by dealer, county, vehicle weight and value. The auto loan calculator for this state lets you add a doc fee and title/registration.

Is this tax advice?

No. Estimates from best-effort state rules, not tax or financial advice; confirm with your state agency or dealer.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.