Kentucky’s individual and corporate dates track the federal calendar, but its pass-through returns are due in April, not on the federal March date. The state has a falling flat rate, a minimum entity tax (LLET), and widespread local occupational taxes.
Kentucky Tax Deadlines at a Glance (2026)
Entity Type | Return Due | Extended Due Date |
|---|---|---|
Individuals (740) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
C Corporations (720) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
S Corps / Partnerships (Form PTE) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
The correction to note: Kentucky’s pass-through entity return (Form PTE, formerly 720S/765) is due April 15, 2026 — the 15th day of the 4th month — not the federal March 16. All returns get a six-month extension to October 15 (Form 720EXT or a federal 7004). An extension covers filing only, not payment.
A Falling Flat Rate and the LLET
Kentucky’s flat individual income tax rate is 4.0% for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), dropping to 3.5% for 2026 on a revenue-triggered glide path. The corporate income tax rate is a flat 5.0%. Separately, corporations and pass-throughs owe the Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) — the greater of a gross-receipts/gross-profits computation or a $175 minimum.
Elective PTE Tax and Local Taxes
Kentucky’s elective pass-through entity tax (HB 360, retroactive to 2022) lets S corporations and partnerships pay at the entity level, generating a credit against the LLET and income tax — a SALT-cap workaround active for 2026. CPAs must also track Kentucky’s extensive local occupational and net-profits taxes — Louisville Metro, Lexington-Fayette, and many other jurisdictions impose them with their own deadlines, separate from the state return.
Estimates, Extensions, and Penalties
Individual estimated payments (740-ES) are due April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Corporations and pass-throughs make estimated LLET/income payments if the tax exceeds $5,000. The 2026 interest rate charged on underpayments is 9% (7% statutory base). Pay by the original date to avoid the late-payment penalty.
CPA Action Steps
File the Form PTE pass-through return in April, not on the federal March date
Apply 4.0% for 2025 (dropping to 3.5% in 2026)
Compute the LLET with its $175 minimum for entities
Track local occupational/net-profits taxes separately
Verify current rates and dates against the Kentucky Department of Revenue (revenue.ky.gov) before filing.