TWC Lowers Taxes for Texas Employers in 2023

Texas Workforce Commission • January 11, 2023

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the average unemployment insurance (UI) tax rate for all employers will be 1.16% for calendar year (CY) 2023. Last year, the average tax rate was 1.35%.

The minimum tax rate is paid by more than 370,000 employers, which represents 61.5% of experience-rated employers. The minimum UI tax rate paid by Texas employers in CY 2023 will be 0.23%, which is 0.08 percentage points lower than 0.31% in CY 2022. These employer-paid UI taxes replenish the Texas Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, which provides temporary income for Texas workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

An experience rating is determined by the amount of an employer’s 
taxable wages and the amount of UI benefits that have been paid to former employees and charged to the employer’s account for the last three years. An employer paying the standard minimum tax will pay $20.70 per employee in CY 2023 on the first $9,000 in wages per employee compared with $27.90 per employee in CY 2022. The average tax rate for experience-rated employers is 0.89%. The maximum UI tax rate, paid by 4.2% of Texas employers, will be 6.23%, down 0.08 percentage points from CY 2022 at 6.31%.

TWC is dedicated to finding ways to lower the financial impact of UI taxes on Texas employers. TWC and the state’s 
28 local workforce boards are also committed to helping UI claimants return to work as soon as possible. Because the Texas Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund has risen above its statutory minimum required balance, TWC will not charge employers any deficit tax in 2023. More information about the components of the tax rate are on TWC’s website.


Wages often can be the largest portion of expenses for a business. As Texas business owners begin staffing plans for the next year, TWC invites businesses to access data from its annual Occupational Wage Survey, which can provide valuable insights on competitive wages for all types of positions for any area in Texas. Information gathered in the survey is confidential and is reported from Texas employers who participate in the survey. For more information or to participate and assist in making Texas more competitive in the labor marketplace, please contact us by emailing oesinfo@twc.texas.gov or by calling (800) 252-3616.

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center
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Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.
By Workforce Solutions East Texas October 24, 2025
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
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