Does Kentucky tax Social Security?
Does not tax Social Security
No. None of your Social Security is taxable in Kentucky.
What the Kentucky Department of Revenue says
We do not paraphrase the rule from memory. This is the state's own wording, copied from the page linked below it:
“Kentucky allows a pension exclusion of $31,110 and none of the Social Security income is taxable; therefore, your Kentucky adjusted gross income is $0.”
Federal tax is a separate question
Even though Kentucky does not tax it, the IRS can still tax part of your Social Security on your federal return. Whether it does depends on your other income. Our taxable Social Security calculator follows the IRS worksheet line by line, and this guide explains the rule.
You can ask Social Security to withhold federal tax from each payment. Withholding for Kentucky state tax, if you need it, is arranged with the state, not with Social Security. State rules change with new laws, so check with the Kentucky Department of Revenue before you file.
Other states where the answer is “does not tax Social Security”
Check our work
The answer above comes from this page. Follow the link and compare.
- Do I Need to File a ReturnKentucky Department of Revenue. Read on November 12, 2026.