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Kentucky

Register your business in Kentucky by completing necessary tax registrations for employees.

Kentucky New Business Registration Guide

Taxes You Must Register For

If you’re starting a business with employees in Kentucky, you must register for:

  1. State Income Withholding Tax
  2. State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax
  3. Local Occupational Taxes (if applicable)

➤ Kentucky Withholding Tax

Tax Agency: Kentucky Department of Revenue

Withholding Tax Registration Steps

  1. Go to the One Stop Business Portal
  2. Click Start My Business and proceed to Register Your Business
  3. Select Registration with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue
  4. Create an online gateway profile:
      • Set up a username, password, and security questions
      • Confirm via activation link sent to your email
  5. Return to the portal and sign in
  6. Under the My Businesses tab, select Register a New Business
  7. Choose the business type and follow all required steps

You will be issued a Kentucky Withholding Account Number

Account Format

  • Typically a 10-digit number

Update your payroll account with your Kentucky Withholding Account Number

Need Help?

  • Call: (502) 564-3306
  • Email: DOR.Registration@ky.gov

➤ Kentucky Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax

Tax Agency: Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance

UI Tax Registration Steps

  1. Go to the Unemployment Insurance Self-Service Site
  2. Click Employer Registration on the left panel
  3. Acknowledge disclaimer and continue
  4. Enter your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  5. Set up your password and security questions
  6. Answer “Yes” to Third-Party Administrator if Check is assisting
  7. Enter your mailing address and complete the employer information

You will receive a Kentucky Employer Identification Number (KEIN)

Account Format

  • 9-digit KEIN assigned by the Office of Unemployment Insurance

Update your payroll account with your KEIN

Need Help?

  • Call: (502) 564-2272

➤ Kentucky Local Occupational Taxes

Tax Agency: Local City or County Governments

Type: Occupational License Fees / Local Withholding

Local Occupational Taxes Registration Steps

  1. Determine the city and county jurisdictions where you operate or have employees
  2. Contact each local agency to understand licensing and payroll tax obligations
  3. If the jurisdiction is covered by the Kentucky Secretary of State directory, reference the Occupational Tax Directory

Each jurisdiction may assign its own local account number

Update your payroll account with all local tax account numbers

Need Help?

  • Secretary of State’s Office: (502) 782-7433

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional for specific advice.