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 California?
Yes, California requires registration for income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, and State Disability Insurance (SDI) through the Employment Development Department (EDD). We register your business with the EDD before your first California payroll runs, keeping you compliant with one of the most stringent state tax systems in the country.
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 register my business for payroll taxes in California?
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 a California payroll tax registration take?
California payroll tax registration processing times vary, ranging from instant online issuance to several weeks depending on the state's workload. We handle withholding, unemployment insurance, and State Disability Insurance registrations with the Employment Development Department and monitor the status of your registration, notifying you as soon as your credentials are issued by the state.
