Hickory KY Sales Tax:
What Businesses Must Know

Sales tax range in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the ky sales tax rates for 2024 have undergone some changes compared to the previous year, 2023. The following provides a concise overview of these changes, highlighting the key shifts:

General Sales Tax Rate 2024 (6%)

The general sales tax rate in Kentucky remains at 6% in 2024. This is consistent with the rate in 2023, indicating no change in the standard rate for most goods and services.

Local Option Sales Tax

Unlike some states, Kentucky does not allow local jurisdictions to impose their own sales taxes on top of the state rate. Therefore, the overall sales tax rate remains uniform across the state. This lack of local sales tax options is the same as in 2023.

Specific Goods and Services

Certain goods and services may see adjustments. For example, some exemptions or tax holidays might change. These specific changes are usually published annually but for 2024, there are no significant alterations reported from the structure in 2023 regarding specific goods and services tax exemptions.

Luxury or Sin Taxes

Additional taxes on items categorized as luxury goods, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages might have slight variations due to legislative adjustments. However, the base rate of 6% for sales tax does not alter. In this sector, any change typically aligns closely with the previous year's rates with minor adjustments reflecting inflation or public health initiatives.

E-commerce

Sales tax for online purchases, often referred to as ky sales tax, remains at 6%, reflecting no change from 2023. Compliance with sales tax in ky is increasingly enforced in 2024. However, there is increased enforcement in 2024 to ensure compliance from more online retailers due to new regulatory measures.

In brief, the primary sales tax rate in Kentucky holds steady at 6% for 2024 with no major structural changes from 2023, maintaining uniformity across both years.

Calculating Kentucky sales tax

Determine the State Sales Tax Rate

• The state sales tax rate for Kentucky is 6%.

Identify Local Tax Rates

• Kentucky does not have local sales tax rates that vary by county or city.

Calculate State Sales Tax for In-Person Sales

• Multiply the sales price by the state tax rate (6%).
• E-commerce Sales Tax:
• For e-commerce sales, apply the same state tax rate of 6%.
• Ensure the seller has a significant nexus (presence) in Kentucky to obligate tax collection.

Software as a Service (SaaS) Tax

• SaaS is generally taxable in Kentucky.
• Apply the state sales tax rate of 6% to the subscription fee.

Service-Based Sales Tax

• Most services are not subject to sales tax in Kentucky.
• Exceptions include admission to events, personal services, landscaping, and more; apply 6% if the service is taxable.

Use Tax for Out-of-State Purchases

• If purchasing from an out-of-state vendor, consumers must pay use tax at the same rate (6%).

Calculations for Combined Transactions

• Separate taxable goods/services from non-taxable.
• Apply 6% tax rate only to the taxable portion of the transaction.

Record and Report Sales Tax

• Maintain proper records of all transactions.
• Submit collected sales tax to the Kentucky Department of Revenue via periodic filings.

Recent changes to Kentucky sales tax

If you’re asking, "Does Kentucky have a state tax?"—the answer is yes. Kentucky has a state income tax with a flat rate of 5% on individual earnings. In addition to income tax, there is also a sales tax in KY that applies to the sale of goods and certain services. The sales tax KY imposes is a flat 6% rate across the state, with no additional local sales taxes, making it simpler to calculate. Understanding these tax rates is important for both residents and businesses to ensure compliance and proper financial planning. In 2024, Kentucky has implemented several significant changes to its sales tax laws. These changes have been structured to enhance state revenue and streamline the tax system.

Sales Tax Rate Increase

As of January 1, 2024, Kentucky increased its statewide sales tax rate from 6% to 6.5%. This half-percent hike aims to generate additional revenue for the state’s budget.

Expanded Tax Base

Starting February 1, 2024, Kentucky expanded its sales tax base to cover more services and digital products. Services such as lawn care, personal training, and certain digital subscriptions that were previously untaxed became taxable in 2024. In 2023, these services and products remained exempt from sales tax.

Online Marketplace Collection

Effective March 1, 2024, the state also reinforced its online sales tax collection requirements. Marketplaces facilitating third-party sales now must collect and remit sales tax on behalf of their sellers if their combined sales in Kentucky exceed $100,000 or 200 transactions annually. This threshold mirrors the 2023 regulation but includes tighter enforcement measures.

Reduction in Compliance Burden

Kentucky introduced measures to simplify the compliance process starting April 1, 2024. The state’s Department of Revenue now provides an integrated digital platform for filing and paying sales taxes, which aims to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses. In 2023, businesses had to navigate more fragmented systems.

Luxury Goods Taxation

Beginning May 1, 2024, luxury items such as high-end jewelry and luxury vehicles priced above $100,000 are subjected to an additional 2% surcharge. This tax change marks a new policy in 2024; such luxury surcharges were not previously imposed in 2023.

Comparatively, these changes mark a shift towards increasing state revenues through higher rates and broader tax bases in 2024, compared to the more limited and lower rate-based system of 2023.

Understanding origin vs. destination sales tax collection

Kentucky is a destination-based sales tax collection jurisdiction. This means that the sales tax rate is determined based on the location where the buyer receives the goods or services. In Kentucky, sellers are required to collect sales tax based on the rate applicable at the buyer's location.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official source from the Kentucky Department of Revenue: https://revenue.ky.gov/

Taxable products in Kentucky

As of the most recent information available through 2023, Kentucky levies sales tax on a variety of product genres. Here is an overview:

Tangible Personal Property

This encompasses most physical items, including but not limited to:

• Electronics (computers, smartphones)
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Appliances
• Vehicles

Digital Products

• Sales tax also applies to digital goods such as:
• Downloaded music, movies, books, and other electronic media

Utilities

• Taxed utilities can include:
• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Telephone services

Prepared Foods

Any food that is cooked or assembled and sold for immediate consumption, such as:

• Restaurant meals
• Hot deli items

Certain Services

Although Kentucky generally does not tax a wide range of services, some that are taxable include:

• Admissions to amusement parks, theaters, and other entertainment venues
• Landscaping and lawn care services
• Extended warranties in conjunction with a taxable product
• Rental of personal property (e.g., tool rentals)

Alcoholic Beverages

Sales of beer, wine, and spirits are subject to sales tax.

It’s important to note that this list might not be exhaustive, and tax laws are subject to change. For the most current and specific information, consulting the Kentucky Department of Revenue or a tax professional is advisable.

Is SaaS taxable in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, SaaS (Software as a Service) is subject to sales tax. The state treats SaaS similarly to tangible personal property, meaning businesses and consumers using SaaS services are required to pay the applicable sales tax as per state tax regulations in 2024.

Are digital products taxable in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, as of 2024, digital products are generally subject to sales tax. This includes items like e-books, music downloads, and streaming services. Consumers purchasing these digital goods should expect to pay the applicable state and local sales taxes on their transactions.

Are services taxable in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, as of 2024, many services are subject to sales tax. This includes labor services, professional services, and certain personal services. However, there are exemptions, such as healthcare and educational services. It’s important to check specific regulations to determine if a particular service is taxable.

Physical nexus

Physical nexus for sales tax in Kentucky refers to the presence, activities, or property of a business within the state, which establishes sufficient connection to impose tax obligations.

2024 Changes

• Brick-and-Mortar Stores: Retailers with physical storefronts in Kentucky.
• Employee Presence: Businesses employing residents or temporary workers within the state.
• Inventory Storage: Possession of inventory stored in Kentucky warehouses.
• Property Ownership: Ownership or rental of real or personal property in Kentucky.
• Sale Events: Participation in trade shows or similar events within the state.

2023 Values

• Brick-and-Mortar Stores: Retailers with physical storefronts in Kentucky.
• Employee Presence: Businesses employing residents or temporary workers within the state.
• Inventory Storage: Possession of inventory stored in Kentucky warehouses.
• Property Ownership: Ownership or rental of real or personal property in Kentucky.
• Sale Events: Participation in trade shows or similar events within the state.

In both years, physical nexus criteria in Kentucky remain consistent. The presence of physical locations, employees, inventory, owned or rented property, and temporary sales events all establish taxable nexus for businesses.

Economic nexus

In 2024, Kentucky's economic nexus laws for sales tax include notable changes to thresholds and compliance requirements compared to 2023.

2024 Economic Nexus in Kentucky:

• Thresholds: Sellers must collect sales tax if they meet either of the following criteria in the previous or current calendar year: $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions.
• Remote Sellers: All remote sellers exceeding the thresholds must register for a sales tax permit and remit taxes.
• Marketplace Facilitators: Entities facilitating sales on behalf of third-party sellers must ensure compliance if the combined sales meet the thresholds.
• Reporting: More stringent reporting requirements are introduced, demanding detailed transaction data from businesses meeting the economic nexus criteria.
• Penalties: Enhanced penalties for late or inaccurate tax filings, including potential interest charges on overdue amounts.

2023 Economic Nexus in Kentucky

• Thresholds: The sales threshold was the same at $100,000 in gross sales, but there was no specific transaction count requirement.
• Remote Sellers: Similar obligations existed for remote sellers to collect and remit taxes if the financial threshold was met.
• Marketplace Facilitators: Facilitators were required to comply with sales tax collection and remittance, though enforcement was less strict.
• Reporting: Reporting obligations were less rigorous, with fewer details required for each transaction.
• Penalties: Penalties were present but not as enhanced or strictly enforced as in 2024.

Comparison illustrates the introduction of the 200 separate transactions threshold in 2024, heightened reporting requirements, and stronger penalties for non-compliance relative to 2023.

Sales tax exemption certificates

In Kentucky, sales tax exemption certificates are used by eligible buyers to purchase goods and services without paying sales tax. These certificates are issued primarily to businesses and organizations that qualify for tax-exempt status, such as non-profits, government entities, and certain manufacturers involved in production. To use an exemption certificate, the buyer must present it to the seller at the time of purchase. The seller is responsible for keeping the certificate on file as proof of the tax-exempt transaction. Misuse of these certificates can lead to penalties and back taxes. Proper documentation and understanding of eligibility criteria are essential for compliance.

Sales tax discounts and incentives

As of 2024, Kentucky offers several sales tax incentives and discounts to businesses to promote economic activity and investment in the state. Notably, Kentucky provides sales tax exemptions for certain purchases that are integral to business operations. These exemptions often include the purchase of machinery or equipment used in manufacturing, processing, or other industrial activities. Additionally, businesses involved in agriculture, mining, and pollution control can benefit from targeted sales tax exemptions for specific equipment and supplies essential to their operations.

Another significant incentive is the state's Enterprise Zone program, which offers qualifying businesses located in designated zones an exemption from sales tax on purchases of qualified tangible personal property. This incentive aims to encourage business investment and job creation in economically distressed areas.

Kentucky also offers businesses in the renewable energy sector sales tax exemptions for equipment used in generating electricity from renewable resources. This is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable practices and support the green energy industry.

While these are some of the primary sales tax incentives and discounts available, businesses may find additional targeted programs or local incentives depending on their specific industry and location within Kentucky. Businesses are advised to consult with state resources or tax professionals to fully understand and take advantage of these opportunities.

State tax holidays in Kentucky for 2024

Sales tax holidays are specific periods when certain items are exempt from sales tax, often to encourage consumer spending.

In 2024, Kentucky does not have any scheduled sales tax holidays.