New York Releases 2026 Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates

Rates range from 1.7% to 9.5% for experienced employers, 4.1% for new employers

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York State Department of Labor has released the 2026 unemployment insurance tax rates for employers in the state. Experienced employers will pay a rate ranging from 1.625% to 9.425%, plus a 0.075% reemployment service fund rate, for a total rate of 1.7% to 9.5%. New employers will pay a flat rate of 4.1%, including the 0.075% reemployment service fund rate. The state's unemployment-taxable wage base for 2026 is set at $17,600.

Why it matters

Unemployment insurance tax rates are an important factor for businesses in New York, as they impact labor costs and can affect hiring and employment decisions. The release of these 2026 rates provides employers with advance notice to plan their budgets and payroll expenses for the upcoming year.

The details

The unemployment insurance tax rates in New York are determined annually by the state's labor department based on factors such as the solvency of the unemployment insurance trust fund and the state's recent unemployment claims history. Experienced employers, defined as those with at least one year of payroll history, will pay a rate ranging from 1.625% to 9.425% on the first $17,600 of each employee's wages. On top of that, all employers must also pay a 0.075% reemployment service fund rate.

  • The 2026 unemployment insurance tax rates were released on the New York State Department of Labor website on February 13, 2026.

The players

New York State Department of Labor

The government agency responsible for setting and publishing the annual unemployment insurance tax rates for employers in the state of New York.

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The takeaway

The release of New York's 2026 unemployment insurance tax rates provides important information for businesses to plan their budgets and payroll expenses for the upcoming year. The range of rates for experienced employers, as well as the flat rate for new employers, reflects the state's efforts to maintain the solvency of its unemployment insurance trust fund while also supporting business growth and job creation.