Kentucky Payroll Tax Registration

Jan 15, 2026

If you are an employer in Kentucky who has recently hired an employee, you will need to register for payroll taxes with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. This registration process ensures that you are compliant with state tax laws and able to properly withhold and remit taxes on behalf of your employees.

Zero payroll penalties, zero distractions.

How Kentucky Payroll Registration Works

There are 9 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in Kentucky to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the Kentucky agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Kentucky Unemployment Insurance Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, PLLC

You are required to register for Kentucky Unemployment Insurance with the Kentucky Office of Unemployment if you pay $1,500 or more in wages during a calendar quarter, or have at least one employee during any part of 20 different weeks of a calendar year.

  1. Register for an Unemployment Insurance Account

    Register for a Kentucky Unemployment Tax account with the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.

  2. Configure Payroll with Unemployment Insurance Information

    Add your employer account number and Unemployment Insurance contribution rate (or reimbursable status) to your payroll provider.

Kentucky Withholding Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, PLLC

Employers in Kentucky are required to register for a withholding tax account with the Department of Revenue.

  1. Register for MyTaxes Account

    Navigate to the Kentucky Taxpayer Portal and click "Register a New Account" if you do not already have a MyTaxes account.

  2. Complete the Tax Registration Application Online

    Log in to your Kentucky MyTaxes account and click "Transactions" to complete the tax registration application.

  3. Configure Payroll with Your Withholding Account ID

    Upon receipt, provide your withholding tax account ID to your payroll provider.

Berea, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for LLC, LLP, Corporation, Professional Corporation

Employers must register with the City of Berea Finance Department to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the city, even if they are remote.

  1. File a Business License Application Online

    File a City of Berea Business License Application online.

  2. Complete Payment Using Instructions Received by Email

    Complete your payment by following the instructions in the email you receive after your registration is approved.

Fort Wright, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for LLC, LLP, Corporation, Professional Corporation

Employers must register with the Kenton County Occupational License Office to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the City of Fort Wright, even if they are remote.

  1. Register Your Business Online

    Register for Occupational Tax and pay the Business License Application fee for the City of Fort Wright using the Kenton County Fiscal Court Business Services online portal.

Winchester, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for LLC, LLP, Corporation, Professional Corporation

Employers must register with the City of Winchester Finance Department to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the city, even if they are remote.

  1. Complete a Business License Application

    Complete a City of Winchester License Application for New Issue or Renewal.

  2. File Your Business License Application

    File your completed Business License Application with the City of Winchester Finance Department by mail with a check payable to “City of Winchester”.

Martin County, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for LLC, LLP, Corporation, Professional Corporation

Employers must register with Martin County Fiscal Court to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the county, even if they are remote.

  1. Register for Business License Online

    Register for a Business License And New Account Application using the Martin County Electronic Filing page.

  2. Complete Payment Using Instructions Received by Email

    Complete your payment by following the instructions in the email you receive after your registration is approved.

Gamaliel, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation

Employers must register with the City of Gamaliel to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the city, even if they are remote.

  1. Request a Business License Application

    Request a Business License Application from the City of Gamaliel by email.

  2. Complete a Business License Application

    Complete a City of Gamaliel Business License Application.

  3. File Your Business License Application

    File your completed Business License Application with the city by mail along with a check made payable to "City of Gamaliel."

Kenton County, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation

Employers must register with the Kenton County Fiscal Court to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the county, even if they are remote.

  1. Register for Occupational Tax Online

    Register for Occupational Tax for the Kenton County Fiscal Court using the Business Services online portal.

Park City, Kentucky Local Withholding Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, PLLC

Employers must register with the City of Park City to withhold occupational tax from the qualifying wages of employees working within the city, even if they are remote.

  1. Complete a Business License Application

    Complete a City of Park City Application for Business/Occupational License.

  2. File Your Business License Application

    File your completed Application for Business/Occupational License with the city by mail along with a check made payable to "City of Park City."

Kentucky's Payroll Registration Agencies

Agencies in Kentucky

See all

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

Sales Tax Compliance Guide 2024

As we progress through 2024, sales tax compliance presents challenges and opportunities for businesses across the United States. Whether you’re a burgeoning startup or an established enterprise, understanding and adhering to evolving sales tax regulations is a strategic business necessity. Changes in sales tax laws, such as amendments in economic nexus thresholds and modifications in marketplace facilitator statutes, have profound implications. These changes reflect the evolving nature of commerce, especially in an era increasingly dominated by remote transactions and digital marketplaces.

Alex Kehayias | Feb 25, 2024

California's Wage Theft Prevention Notice Requirements Explained

Wage theft is a major employment issue nationwide, especially in larger states like California. It happens when employers don’t pay their employees what they’ve rightfully earned, such as skipping out on overtime, denying breaks, or misclassifying workers. Wage theft is more common than you might think, affecting millions of workers across the state. Thankfully, California is taking measures to prevent it — like passing the Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA). This law cracks down on wage theft, strengthens workers’ rights, and ensures that workers are paid what they’re owed.

Kaitlin Edwards | Jul 27, 2024

Wyoming Surety Bond: Nonresident Employer Bond Compliance (2024)

Doing business in Wyoming can be a rewarding venture. However, if you’re a nonresident employer, there’s one crucial compliance requirement you need to know about: the Wyoming Surety Bond. This bond is a type of insurance that protects your employees and the state. In this article, we’ll help you better understand the Wyoming surety bond process and what it means for you and your business.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Jul 23, 2024

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.