Kentucky vs Ohio Income Tax — 2026
A single filer earning $100,000 pays $1,069 less per year in Ohio than in Kentucky — $89 a month. Kentucky charges $3,382; Ohio charges $2,313.
Why this pair has a page: bordering states.
The bill at every income
Single filer, standard deduction, no dependents. State income tax only.
| Gross income | Kentucky tax | Ohio tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,632 | $938 | $694 less in OH |
| $75,000 | $2,507 | $1,626 | $882 less in OH |
| $100,000 | $3,382 | $2,313 | $1,069 less in OH |
| $150,000 | $5,132 | $3,688 | $1,444 less in OH |
| $250,000 | $8,632 | $6,438 | $2,194 less in OH |
| $500,000 | $17,382 | $13,313 | $4,069 less in OH |
| $1,000,000 | $34,882 | $27,063 | $7,819 less in OH |
How the two systems differ
| Kentucky | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax structure | Flat rate | Graduated |
| Top marginal rate | 3.5% | 2.75% |
| Number of brackets | 1 | 2 |
| Standard deduction (single) | $3,360 | None |
| Personal exemption | None | $1,900 |
| Local income taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Capital gains | ordinary | ordinary |
| Population (2024) | 4,588,372 | 11,883,304 |
By filing status
| Filing status | Kentucky | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $3,382 | $2,313 | $1,069 less in OH |
| Married filing jointly | $3,382 | $2,261 | $1,121 less in OH |
| Married filing separately | $3,382 | $2,313 | $1,069 less in OH |
| Head of household | $3,382 | $2,313 | $1,069 less in OH |
Change the assumptions
Adjust income and filing status, or swap either state. The URL updates so you can share the exact comparison.
At $100,000 as a single filer, Ohio costs $1,069 less per year than Kentucky — $89 a month.
| Kentucky | Ohio | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | $3,382 | $2,313 | $1,069 |
| Per month | $282 | $193 | $89 |
| Effective rate | 3.38% | 2.31% | 1.07 pts |
| Marginal rate | 3.5% | 2.75% | 0.75 pts |
| Standard deduction | $3,360 | $0 | $3,360 |
| Taxable income | $96,640 | $98,100 | $1,460 |
| Tax structure | Flat rate | Graduated | |
| Local income taxes | Yes | Yes |
Local taxes are not included above. Kentucky and Ohio have localities that levy their own income tax on top of the state figure. See each state page for the rates that apply.
Full detail: Kentucky · Ohio · methodology
Local income taxes change this picture
What this comparison leaves out
Sources for both states
- 1.Kentucky Department of RevenueState revenue department2026 Kentucky Withholding Tax Formula (42A003 (TCF)(10-2025))Retrieved · "2026 Kentucky Standard Deduction: $3,360. 2026 Kentucky Tax Rate: 3.5% of taxable income."
- 2.Tax FoundationResearch organisation (cross-check)Kentucky Tax Rates & RankingsRetrieved · Cross-check: "Kentucky has a flat 3.50 percent individual income tax rate."
- 3.Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules (Legislative Service Commission)State statuteOhio Revised Code 5747.02 - Tax rates (effective September 30, 2025, H.B. 96)Retrieved · Division (A)(3)(c): "For taxable years beginning in 2026 and thereafter, $332.00 plus 2.75% of the amount in excess of $26,050."
- 4.Ohio Department of TaxationState revenue department2026 Ohio Estimated Income Tax Payment Worksheet and Instructions (IT 1040 ES)Retrieved · Confirms the 2026 exemption figure used ($1,900 per exemption, zero at MAGI of $500,000 or more). Its printed rate table is still the 2025 table.
Figures on this page were last checked against these sources on . Found something wrong? Report it.