Kentucky Vacation Rental Tax Calculator

Estimate your property tax, lodging tax, federal & state income tax, and depreciation deductions for your Kentucky vacation rental property.

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Tax Types

What Taxes Apply to Kentucky Short-Term Rentals?

Kentucky STR hosts are subject to several types of taxes. Understanding which ones apply — and who collects them — is the first step toward compliance.

Sales Tax

Kentucky applies its state sales tax to short-term rental stays — currently at a base rate that contributes to combined lodging rates of 16.07%. Cities may add local sales tax on top.

Occupancy / Transient Lodging Tax

Kentucky's lodging/occupancy tax is the primary STR-specific tax. Combined rates reach 16.07% in Louisville and 12.36% in Lexington. This includes state, county, and city-level components.

Tourism / Convention Center Tax

Some Kentucky cities levy additional tourism, convention center, or special district taxes that add 1–3% to your total rate. In Louisville, the combined rate of 16.07% already includes these surcharges.

Federal & State Income Tax

Net rental profit is subject to both federal income tax (10–37% in 2026) and Kentucky's state income tax at 4.5%. Reported on Schedule E (Form 1040). Deduct expenses like mortgage interest, repairs, and depreciation.

Property Tax

Kentucky's average effective property tax rate is 0.86%. Assessed annually on market value. STRs may face higher assessments in some jurisdictions.

Important

Does Airbnb Collect and Remit Taxes in Kentucky?

Airbnb has agreements to collect and remit taxes in Kentucky — but coverage is not always complete.

Airbnb collects Kentucky's state-level lodging tax in most jurisdictions.
In Louisville and Lexington: Airbnb may or may not collect all county/city taxes.
Rural areas: You're often fully responsible for all local tax collection.
Even where Airbnb collects, you may owe additional local levies or special district taxes.

Bottom line: Never assume Airbnb handles all your Kentucky tax obligations. Verify with your local tax authority.

Compliance

Do You Need a Tax Permit in Kentucky?

In most Kentucky jurisdictions, yes. Common permits and registrations required:

State sales tax permit / seller's permit
City or county business license
Short-term rental operating permit
Lodging tax registration certificate

Consequences of non-compliance

5–25% penalties on unpaid taxes in Kentucky

Revocation of rental permit

Liens on your property

Tax Overview

Short-Term Rental Taxes in Kentucky

Key tax facts every vacation rental host in Kentucky should know.

State transient room tax: 6%

Local taxes: up to 10% additional in Louisville

State income tax: 4.5% flat rate

Property tax rate: ~0.86%

City Breakdown

Lodging Tax Rates by City in Kentucky

Combined lodging/occupancy tax rates for major vacation rental markets in Kentucky.

CityCombined Rate

Louisville

6% state + 7.57% local + 2.5% convention

16.07%

Lexington

6% state + 5% city + 1.36% county

12.36%

Bardstown

6% state + 3% county + 2% city

11%

Rates are estimates based on 2024-2025 data. Always verify with your local tax authority.

FAQs About Kentucky Vacation Rental Taxes

Common questions about short-term rental taxes, permits, and compliance in Kentucky.

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