Payroll > Tables > Tax/Deductions > FICA Tax

Retrieve the FICA rates for the 2026 calendar year and print a copy for reference. Then, retrieve the 2027 calendar year record and manually enter the 2026 rates for 2027 and click Save.

Payroll > Tables > Tax/Deductions > Unemployment

If your LEA allows ASCENDER to calculate unemployment, select T - Taxable in the Employer Type field and enter the Unemployment Rate. Type the percent rate determined or assigned by the TWC (e.g., 0.4985% for 0.004985).

The rates displayed in the below image are sample rates. Only use the rates provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Payroll > Tables > Tax/Deductions > TRS Rates

Update the TRS rates.

❏ To create a new TRS rates record, type the new year (2027) and click Retrieve. A message is displayed indicating that the new record is populated based on the prior year's (2026) TRS rates record, click Save to retain the record.

❏ Complete the applicable fields. This information is used when performing calculations and extracts to Budget.

Payroll > Tables > Tax/Deductions > Deduction Code

❏ Update the deduction codes. The Deduction Code tab is shared between the current year and next year records; therefore, changes to the current year records are effective in the next year records, and vice versa.