WorldTax CompareAll Comparisons

United States vs Kenya
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

🇺🇸 United States
vs
🇰🇪 Kenya
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
10–37%
TCJA provisions extended; no sunset
No change
10–35%
Ruto administration fiscal consolidation; rates stable
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
0–11%
No federal sales tax; state avg ~6–9%
No change
16%
16% maintained; exemption list under review
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
21%
Federal flat; proposals to raise to 28% stalled
No change
30%
30% stable; East Africa harmonization discussions
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
0–20%
+ 3.8% NIIT; thresholds inflation-adjusted
No change
15%
15% property CGT unchanged
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~15.3%
SS wage base ~$180,000 est. 2026
No change
~14%
Universal health coverage (SHA) replacing NHIF from 2024
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇺🇸 United StatesState & Local Taxes

The U.S. has 50 states each setting their own income tax (0%–13.3%). California tops at 13.3%, while Texas, Florida, and Nevada levy no state income tax. NYC adds its own income tax (up to 3.876%). Sales taxes vary from 0% (Oregon) to over 11% combined. Property taxes are primarily local. Some states like Washington have introduced capital gains levies.

🇰🇪 KenyaCounty & Local Authority Taxes

Kenya's 47 counties levy business permits (single business permit), property rates, and various local service charges. County governments have own-source revenue from markets, parking, land rates, and entertainment taxes. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) administers national taxes. A housing levy of 1.5% of gross salary (employer+employee) was introduced in 2023. The digital service tax (DST) at 1.5% on digital marketplace revenues was replaced by a significant economic presence tax framework.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

United States vs Kenya: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇺🇸 United States has a higher top income tax rate (10–37% vs 10–35%). 🇰🇪 Kenya is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Kenya has a higher consumption tax (0–11% vs 16%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇺🇸 United States offers a lower corporate rate (21% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇰🇪 Kenya taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 20%), benefiting investors.

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All 🇺🇸 United States comparisons →All 🇰🇪 Kenya comparisons →