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Kentucky transfer tax rules (2026)
Imposed on the seller (grantor) by statute.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500) | 0.1% | Seller |
Kentucky transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $125,000 | $0 | $125 | — | $125 (0.1%) |
| $200,000 | $0 | $200 | — | $200 (0.1%) |
| $225,000(≈ median) | $0 | $225 | — | $225 (0.1%) |
| $350,000 | $0 | $350 | — | $350 (0.1%) |
| $450,000 | $0 | $450 | — | $450 (0.1%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $1,000 | — | $1,000 (0.1%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $1,500 | — | $1,500 (0.1%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Kentucky vs other states
On a $400,000 home Kentucky's taxes are $400 (0.1%), the 34th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Alabama$400
- Hawaii$400
- South Dakota$400
- Colorado$40
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Kentucky mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Kentucky.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- Kentucky rules checked 2026-10-23: KRS 142.050 (via Justia).
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Kentucky?+
On a $225,000 home (about the Kentucky median) the taxes come to $225, or 0.1% of the price: Real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500) $225 (seller).
Who pays the transfer tax in Kentucky, the buyer or the seller?+
Real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500): seller. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Kentucky?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($225 on a $225,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does Kentucky compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Kentucky's $400 in taxes ranks 34th highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.