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California Payroll Guide
California Payroll Guide

California Payroll Guide

Isabelle Talkington avatar
Written by Isabelle Talkington
Updated over a month ago

There are three required tax items you’ll need in order to get set up for payroll.

Requirement

Format

Agency

State Employer Payroll Tax Account (EDD Number)

XXX-XXXX-X (8 digits)

State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Rate

X.X%

Employment Training Tax (ETT) Rate

X.X%

How to register:

State Employer Payroll Tax Account Number

  • The most straightforward method to obtain an EDD number is to register online through the EDD's E-Services for Business portal. If asked about a payroll agent, choose "No" and proceed to register as if you do not have a payroll agent. Following successful enrollment, your business will be assigned an EDD number.

  • Alternatively, you can contact the EDD at (888)745-3886 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time to speak with a staff member.

How to locate these numbers if you’re already registered:

  • If you've registered for an account but haven't filed a state payroll tax return yet, you can swiftly obtain the number by calling the EDD at (888)745-3886.

  • If you are transitioning from another provider or have a history of filing state payroll tax returns, your EDD number is on previously submitted quarterly tax forms. Check Form DE-9 or DE-9c for an eight-digit number in the format XXX-XXXX-X.

  • If you have the EDD e-Services login information but can't find your EDD number or SUI rate, you can log in to the EDD website to retrieve it.

Contact the EDD at (888)745-3886 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time to speak with a staff member.

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