How Kentucky compares
Kentucky's diesel rate of $0.3250 is the 27th lowest of the 57 jurisdictions that tax diesel through IFTA this quarter. The average among them is $0.3696; the lowest is Oklahoma at $0.1900 and the highest is California at $0.9790.
Kentucky surcharge
Kentucky adds a surcharge of $0.1050 per gallon of diesel and $0.0450 per gallon of gasoline on top of the base rate. Unlike the base tax, the surcharge is charged on every taxable gallon you burn in Kentucky, and fuel you bought there does not reduce it. The combined diesel rate is $0.3250.
Example: 1,000 miles in Kentucky
A truck averaging 6.5 MPG that drives 1,000 miles in Kentucky burns 153.85 taxable gallons there. If none of its fuel was bought in Kentucky, it owes Kentucky $50.00 for the quarter (153.85 × $0.2200 + 153.85 × $0.1050 surcharge). Every tax-paid gallon bought in Kentucky reduces the base tax by $0.2200, but not the surcharge. Run your own numbers.
Kentucky rates by fuel type, 3rd quarter 2026
| Fuel | U.S. $ per gallon | CAD $ per litre |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | $0.2200 + $0.1050 | $0.0812 + $0.0387 |
| Gasoline | $0.2500 + $0.0450 | $0.0924 + $0.0166 |
| Biodiesel | $0.2200 + $0.1050 | $0.0812 + $0.0387 |
| Gasohol | $0.2500 + $0.0450 | $0.0924 + $0.0166 |
| E-85 | $0.2500 + $0.0450 | $0.0924 + $0.0166 |
Propane, LNG, CNG, electricity and hydrogen are measured in different units from one jurisdiction to the next, so they are not listed here; see the official matrix.
Kentucky IFTA rate history
| Quarter | Diesel | Gasoline | Diesel surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3Q 2026 | $0.2200 | $0.2500 | $0.1050 |
| 2Q 2026 | $0.2200 | $0.2500 | $0.1050 |
| 1Q 2026 | $0.2200 | $0.2500 | $0.1050 |
| 4Q 2025 | $0.2200 | $0.2500 | $0.1050 |
| 3Q 2025 | $0.2200 | $0.2500 | $0.1050 |
| 2Q 2025 | $0.2340 | $0.2640 | $0.1120 |
| 1Q 2025 | $0.2340 | $0.2640 | $0.1120 |
When is the 3rd quarter 2026 return due?
IFTA returns for the 3rd quarter 2026 are due November 2, 2026. You file with your base jurisdiction, which pays Kentucky its share; miles in Kentucky go on that return whether or not you bought fuel there.
Rather not do this every quarter?
We reconcile your fuel receipts and mileage and prepare the quarterly IFTA return for you, next to your driver files and hours of service.
IFTA rates in other jurisdictions
United States
Canada
Rates in U.S. dollars per gallon (and Canadian dollars per litre) from the final IFTA, Inc. tax rate matrix. IFTAX is not affiliated with IFTA, Inc. or any government agency; confirm rates with your base jurisdiction before filing.