Renewing your private plan exemption

Employers with an approved exemption from making Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) contributions may renew their exemption by its expiration date. In most cases, the exemption period is for four quarters.

PFML exemption requests will move to the PMFL portal beginning July 1, 2026

The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) is introducing a new process for requesting and renewing private plan exemptions for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Beginning July 1, 2026, employers will use the PFML Employer Portal to request PFML exemptions and renewals for purchased or self-insured private plans. As of this date, exemptions will no longer be filed via MassTaxConnect. Please see our step-by-step resource to learn more about the new exemption request process.

General information

An employer with an approved exemption from making paid leave contributions may renew their exemption by its expiration date. In most cases, the exemption period is for four quarters. 

How to renew your private plan exemption

To renew an exemption, you must submit a new exemption application online through your MassTaxConnect account. You may begin this process during the quarter prior to the expiration of your current exemption. (i.e., If your exemption expiration date is September 30, you can begin the renewal process starting July 1).   

When renewing your private plan, the Department will require specific documents. If you are renewing your exemption with a purchased private, please see requirements for purchased private plans. If you are renewing your exemption with a self-insured plan, please see requirements for self-insured private plans.

If you do not plan to renew your private plan exemption

If you do not intend to renew your employer exemption, you must notify the covered individuals and DFML no later than 30 calendar days prior to the exemption expiration date.  You may notify DFML by completing this form. 

Learn more about switching from a private plan to Paid Family and Medical Leave.