Kentucky economic nexus threshold for sales tax
Data version 2026-Q3 · reviewed 2026-07-14
If you sell into Kentucky without a physical presence, you may still be required to register for, collect, and remit sales tax once your sales cross the state's economic nexus threshold. Here is where Kentucky stands.
Kentucky threshold at a glance
| Revenue threshold | $100,000 |
|---|---|
| Transaction threshold | 200 transactions |
| How they combine | Revenue OR transactions |
| Measurement period | Current or previous calendar year |
| State sales-tax rate | 6% |
What this means for remote sellers
Kentucky uses an either/or threshold. You establish economic nexus if your sales into Kentucky reach $100,000 OR you make 200 or more separate transactions during current or previous calendar year — whichever you hit first.
How Kentucky compares to other states
Kentucky's $100,000 revenue threshold is the most common in the country — 42 jurisdictions use it. It is one of 16 jurisdictions where either revenue or transaction count can establish nexus. Kentucky has joined the recent trend of states dropping the separate transaction-count test. Its 6% base sales-tax rate sits above the roughly 5.7% average state rate.
How the Kentucky threshold is measured
Kentucky measures the threshold over Current or previous calendar year. Gross sales generally include taxable and (in many states) exempt sales; rules on marketplace-facilitated sales vary. Verify the specifics with the Kentucky department of revenue.
Do marketplaces collect Kentucky sales tax?
Kentucky requires marketplace facilitators — platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Walmart — to collect and remit Kentucky sales tax on sales made through them. If you sell only through those marketplaces, the platform generally collects the tax for you. Sales you make directly — through your own website or store — still count toward your Kentucky economic nexus threshold and remain your responsibility. Whether marketplace-facilitated sales also count toward your own threshold varies, so confirm with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
What to do if you've crossed it
- Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue for a sales-tax permit.
- Begin collecting tax on taxable sales to Kentucky customers.
- File and remit on the schedule the state assigns.
- Confirm treatment of marketplace sales and any local taxes with a professional.
Not sure where you stand?
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Tools to get compliant
Triggered nexus somewhere? These tools handle registration, collection, filing, and remittance so you don't have to.
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Kentucky economic nexus FAQ
What is the economic nexus threshold in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses an either/or threshold. You establish economic nexus if your sales into Kentucky reach $100,000 OR you make 200 or more separate transactions during current or previous calendar year — whichever you hit first.
Do remote sellers have to collect Kentucky sales tax?
If your sales into Kentucky cross the threshold ($100,000 or 200 transactions) during current or previous calendar year, you generally must register, collect, and remit Kentucky sales tax.
Does Kentucky count the number of transactions?
Yes. Kentucky counts transactions — 200 or more separate sales is enough to establish nexus, even below $100,000.
When did Kentucky's economic nexus rules take effect?
Kentucky began enforcing economic nexus on October 1, 2018. Economic nexus stems from the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision; states phased in their rules afterward. Note: 200-transaction threshold is repealed effective August 1, 2026 (H.B. 757); from that date only the $100,000 threshold applies.
What is the sales tax rate in Kentucky?
Kentucky's statewide base sales-tax rate is 6%. Local jurisdictions may add their own tax, so the total rate at a given address is often higher. Once you establish nexus, you collect at the combined state and local rate for the destination.
Do marketplaces like Amazon collect Kentucky sales tax?
Yes. Kentucky requires marketplace facilitators — platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Walmart — to collect and remit sales tax on sales made through them. Sales you make directly, through your own website or store, still count toward your Kentucky economic nexus threshold.
How do I register for a Kentucky sales tax permit?
Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. You will need your business information and the date you first crossed the threshold. After registering, the state will assign a filing frequency based on your sales volume.
Related states
Informational only — not legal or tax advice. Verify with the Kentucky department of revenue and a qualified professional.