Unemployment Insurance Rate Changes in 2026 20
Dealers can expect changes in unemployment benefits in 2026. The State recently paid off its debt to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, allowing officials to substantially increase benefits for eligible workers and reduce costs for employers. As a result, contribution rates—which had climbed in recent years— may begin to fall or at least hold steady. The savings stem from the debt repayment, which restores the Fund’s solvency and eliminates the annual Interest Assessment Surcharge, saving employers about $100 per employee in 2026. Although employers should no longer receive annual surcharge bills, New York has raised the taxable wage base for UI contribution payments in the coming years, and the total cost of UI claims will increase moving forward.
Dealers should pay attention to New York’s unemployment insurance in 2026, especially as economic headwinds, tariffs, and the labor market continue to shift. Dealers are also reminded that they must provide departing employees with the New York State Department of Labor’s Notice of Employment (Form IA12.3), which employees may use to initiate unemployment claims. The form should be given to all departing employees (not only those fired or laid off) and does not determine whether benefits will be collected. Dealers should continue to contest claims from employees who quit without good cause or who were discharged after committing misconduct.
Time to Renew Your 2026 GNYADA Membership 21
newsletters so you don’t get blindsided by regulatory changes. As an added benefit, all members receive one free classroom rental at the Center for Automotive Education & Training (CAET) a valuable opportunity to host staff meetings and trainings, at no cost. When you renew, we also encourage you to look at GNYADA’s Employee Relations Plan (ERP) . For $695 a year, ERP gives you access to experienced labor attorneys who help you avoid costly mistakes. One HR issue can cost more than an entire year of ERP membership. If you’ve already sent in your renewal, thank you. If you haven’t, please return your invoice with payment or call the association.
value of membership; we’re working for you every single day. Whether it’s pushing back against anti-dealer legislation, fighting for warranty reimbursement, or monitoring DMV and tax rules, our team is constantly handling the issues that affect your store’s operations and profitability. A large part of GNYADA’s work is day- to-day support: • Help with DMV, tax, advertising, and labor questions, real answers, not guesswork.
As we wrap up the year, thank you to everyone who has already renewed their membership. We’re approaching 85% renewal, which shows just how much members value the Association’s work. If you haven’t renewed yet, please send your invoice back soon so your benefits continue uninterrupted. GNYADA represents over 400 franchised new-car dealers in the 12 downstate counties, accounting for nearly 65% of all new-vehicle sales in New York State. When we speak to Albany, regulators, or the media, we speak for the dealers who sell and service most of the vehicles in this region. Membership keeps that voice strong and unified. You don’t need a crisis to see the
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Education and training at CAET and through our weekly webinar series, so your team stays sharp and up to date. Timely communications, Dealer Alerts, legal updates, and
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Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association | 18-10 Whitestone Expressway, Whitestone, NY 11357
DMV-DIRECT: 718.747.0400 GNYADA Insurance Brokerage, LLC: 718.746.8100
New York International Auto Show: 718.746.5300 Center for Automotive Education & Training: 718.640.2000
Dealer Hotline: 800.245.4640 Headquarters: 718.746.5900 Email: communications@gnyada.com
The information contained in this newsletter may not be relied upon for the avoidance of tax penalties. Readers are urged to discuss any issues raised in this newsletter with their legal and tax professionals. All original material except where noted. © GNYADA 2025
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