KENTUCKY – KENTUCKY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PORTAL
The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet is in the midst of a two-part implementation of a new and improvement Unemployment Insurance Portal (KUIP) system. The Tax Phase is scheduled to rollout in Spring 2026 with the Benefits and Appeals Phase following in 2028.
As part of this transition, employers will receive a new Kentucky Employer Identification Number (KEIN) that maintains the same 6-digit base with a new 3-digit prefix, transitioning to a 9-digit KEIN. Beginning April 1, you will be able to access your new KEIN(s) via the current KEWES site, and a letter will be mailed to the physical address currently on file with the state in mid-April.
Thomas & Company is working closely with the state, participating in a “passive role assignment,” which will transition current TPA-employer relationships to the new system. This transition will provide Thomas & Company with updated KEINs for active client accounts. But, if there are any new accounts or accounts for which Thomas & Company does not already have on record, it is important for you to be on the lookout and share these new account details with our team so we can respond accordingly.
Additional information about the project can be found here.
MICHIGAN – REMINDER: MiUI IS LIVE!
As a reminder, Michigan’s new unemployment tax and benefits system, MiUI, launched its first of two parts, the tax functions, at the end of February. If you have not already, ensure that you create a MiLogin for Business account to access MiUI. MiWAM accounts cannot be used to access MiLogin for Business or MiUI.
You will need MiUI access to complete upcoming wage and tax reporting—Q1 is due on April 27!
WASHINGTON – PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE BALANCE STATEMENTS MAILED IN MAY
Paid Leave statements will be mailed to the business mailing address on file with the state in May. Make sure that this address, along with your email address, is up to date to ensure timely delivery of this important information. You can do so by logging in to your employer account, where you can also review your premium reporting history and current balance. Mailed Paid Leave statements will also provide insight into any premiums owed and reports/payments.
WASHINGTON – FUNDING MODIFICATIONS ADDRESS IRS GUIDANCE ON STATE PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law legislation to address the IRS Guidance associated with taxation of Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. In this legislation, employer contributions are swapped from the program’s medical leave premiums to the family leave portion. This prevents certain medical leave benefits from being subject to federal taxes and prevents the need for significant changes and increased administrative burden associated with medical leave benefits. Total contributions remain unchanged for both workers and employers.
The new law will impact the 2027 premium split rate but does not impact 2026 rates. Later this year, Washington Employment Security will provide additional insight on how to implement the new premium split. Employment Security notes that employers could still have tax implications related to premium contributions, so it is important to review this information and how you are impacted with tax professionals.
