Register for payroll
Set up payroll in Kentucky — the state has payroll tax requirements plus significant local tax obligations depending on where your employees work. We assess and handle all registrations.
Register for payroll taxes today - here’s what’s required
Here are the state agencies you need to register with as an employe in your state. We handle all registrations on your behalf.
Kentucky Department of Revenue
Handles state income tax withholding registration for all Kentucky employers.
Kentucky Office of Employment and Training
Handles Unemployment Insurance (UI) registration for all Kentucky employers.
Key facts about your state payroll taxes.
A quick overview of what's involved before you run your first payroll.
We handle the whole process for you
You provide the business info — we do the rest.
Complete our intake form
Tell us about your business — name, EIN, entity type, and start date. Takes about 5 minutes.
We review & prepare
Tell us about your business — name, EIN, entity type, and start date. Takes about 5 minutes.
We submit to the state
We register your business with the appropriate state agencies through official portals.
You receive your credentials
We deliver your account numbers and filing details — ready to load into your payroll system.
Ready to get registered?
Flat fee, no surprises. We work inside your existing payroll system.
State Payroll Tax FAQs
Common questions about registering for payroll taxes.
Do I need to register for payroll taxes in Kentucky?
Yes, employers with workers in Kentucky must register for income tax withholding with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and unemployment insurance with the Kentucky Career Center. We handle both registrations on your behalf, and note that Kentucky also has local occupational taxes in many jurisdictions that may apply depending on where your employee works.
Does Kentucky have local payroll taxes?
Yes, Kentucky has one of the most complex local tax environments in the country. Most cities and counties have occupational taxes ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%. Employers must register and withhold local taxes based on where employees work. We assess your locations and handle all applicable local registrations.
What information do you need to register my business for payroll taxes in Kentucky?
We'll need your business name, EIN, entity type, physical address, start date of payroll, and owner information. You provide it once through our intake form and we handle everything from there.
How long does a Kentucky payroll tax registration take?
Kentucky payroll tax registration processing times vary, ranging from instant online issuance to several weeks depending on the state's workload. We handle withholding and unemployment insurance filings with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and Kentucky Career Center, and note that local occupational tax registrations may also apply depending on where your employee works. We monitor the status of your registration and notify you as soon as your credentials are issued by the state.
