Register for payroll
Set up payroll in California — the state has some of the most complex payroll tax requirements in the country. A single EDD registration covers multiple programs but requires careful setup. We handle it all so nothing gets missed.
Register for payroll taxes today - here’s what’s required
Here are the state agencies you need to register with as an employe in your state. We handle all registrations on your behalf.
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Handles all California employer payroll tax registrations — state income tax withholding (PIT)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Employment Training Tax (ETT)
Key facts about your state payroll taxes.
A quick overview of what's involved before you run your first payroll.
We handle the whole process for you
You provide the business info — we do the rest.
Complete our intake form
Tell us about your business — name, EIN, entity type, and start date. Takes about 5 minutes.
We review & prepare
Tell us about your business — name, EIN, entity type, and start date. Takes about 5 minutes.
We submit to the state
We register your business with the appropriate state agencies through official portals.
You receive your credentials
We deliver your account numbers and filing details — ready to load into your payroll system.
Ready to get registered?
Flat fee, no surprises. We work inside your existing payroll system.
State Payroll Tax FAQs
Common questions about registering for payroll taxes.
Do I need to register for payroll taxes in my state?
Yes- if you have employees working in your state, you are required to register with the appropriate state tax agencies before running your first payroll. Failing to register can result in penalties and back taxes.
California SDI rate is 1.3% for 2026 with no taxable wage limit — a major change from prior years when a wage cap applied.
California has no broad local payroll taxes, though San Francisco has specific payroll expense taxes that apply to larger businesses.
What information do you need to get started?
We'll need your business name, EIN, entity type, physical address, start date of payroll, and owner information. You provide it once through our intake form and we handle everything from there.
How long does the registration process take?
+Processing times vary by state. Most registrations are completed within 5–10 business days. We keep you updated throughout the process and notify you as soon as your credentials are ready.
