2024 Guide to Sales Tax in Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky Sales Tax Rate
6%
County Sales Tax Rate
0%
Special Sales Tax Rate
0%
Louisville Sales Tax Rate
0%

If you're running a business in Louisville, Kentucky, understanding the local sales tax regulations is crucial for compliance and smooth operation. This guide provides a detailed overview of the sales tax in Louisville, Kentucky.

We will discuss the different sales tax rates at the state and city levels, how to calculate sales tax in Louisville, and the requirements for businesses to collect sales tax. Additionally, we provide sales tax rates for the top 10 most populated zip codes in Louisville and tips to ensure compliance with sales tax regulations.

What is the Sales Tax in Louisville?

The total sales tax rate in Louisville combines the state tax with no additional local taxes. Louisville’s sales tax consists only of the Kentucky state tax rate.

Breakdown of Sales Tax in Louisville

  • State Sales Tax: 6.00%
  • County Sales Tax: 0.00%
  • City Sales Tax: 0.00%
  • Special Sales Tax: 0.00%

What is Jefferson County Sales Tax?

In Louisville, which is part of Jefferson County, there is no additional county sales tax, meaning the rate remains consistent throughout.

Tax Rates in Louisville, Kentucky

Here are the sales tax rates for the top 10 most populated zip codes in Louisville:

Zip Code State Sales Tax County Sales Tax City Sales Tax Special Sales Tax
40214 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40216 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40218 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40219 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40220 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40229 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40245 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40272 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40291 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
40299 6.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Other Tax Rates for Louisville

Here are some other applicable tax rates for businesses in Louisville:

Type of Sales Tax Rate
Non-Nexus Sellers – State Use Tax 6.00%
Non-Nexus Sellers – County Use Tax 0.00%
Non-Nexus Sellers – City Use Tax 0.00%
Non-Nexus Sellers – Special Use Tax 0.00%
Out-of-State Sellers – State Use Tax 6.00%
Out-of-State Sellers – County Use Tax 0.00%
Out-of-State Sellers – City Use Tax 0.00%
Out-of-State Sellers – Special Use Tax 0.00%
Marketplace Facilitators – State Sales Tax 6.00%
Marketplace Facilitators – County Sales Tax 0.00%
Marketplace Facilitators – City Sales Tax 0.00%
Marketplace Facilitators – Special Sales Tax 0.00%

What Items are Taxable in Louisville?

In Kentucky, certain items are taxable while others are exempt. Common taxable items include:

Item Description TIC Number
Apparel Clothing and footwear 10010
Electronics Computers and accessories 20010
Furniture Home furnishings 30010

What Items are Exempt from Taxes in Louisville?

Some items are exempt from sales tax in Kentucky, typically for essential goods or to encourage certain purchases:

Item Description TIC Number
Prescription Drugs Medications 40010
Groceries Unprepared food items 50010
Medical Equipment Durable medical equipment 60010

Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in Louisville?

In Louisville, businesses need to collect sales tax if they have either physical or economic nexus in Kentucky.

Physical Nexus

You have a physical presence in Kentucky if you:

  • Own or lease property in Kentucky
  • Have employees in Kentucky
  • Maintain inventory in Kentucky

Economic Nexus

You have economic nexus if your sales into Kentucky exceed $100,000 or 200 transactions in the current or previous calendar year.

How to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Louisville?

If you meet the nexus requirements, you must register for a sales tax permit in Kentucky. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the Kentucky Department of Revenue website.
  2. Complete the application for a sales tax permit.
  3. Submit the application and await approval.

How Do You Charge the Right Amount for Sales Tax in Louisville?

Ensuring you charge the correct sales tax involves:

How Do You File and Remit Sales Tax?

Sales tax returns are filed with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Here’s how:

  1. Collect sales tax from customers.
  2. File your sales tax return online.
  3. Remit the collected taxes to the state.

Conclusion

Understanding and complying with sales tax regulations in Louisville is essential for any business operating in Kentucky. Use this guide to navigate the complexities of sales tax and ensure your business remains compliant.