Author: 
Chris Walton
Subtitle: 
Registration is required once your business pays wages over $100 in a calendar quarter

If your small business is located in California and employs individuals, then it’s likely that you must register as an employer with the California Employment Development Department. 

Important Tip The general rule is that once a business becomes subject to California payroll taxes, it must register.

The general rule is that once a business becomes subject to California payroll taxes, it must register.  A business is subject to California payroll taxes if it pays wages over $100 in a calendar quarter to at least one employee.  Registration is required within 15 days of the date on which the employer becomes subject to payroll taxes.

Registration may be completed either online or by mail-in form.  More information can be obtained from the California Employment Development Department (“EDD”) here.  The specific form you must complete depends on the nature of your business, as there are over six different registration forms for different business types.

Once your business is registered, the EDD will send you your State Employer Identification Number, along with other useful employer guides and resources.

Additional Information
Important Tip: 
The general rule is that once a business becomes subject to California payroll taxes, it must register.
Marketing copy: 
registering your company with the EDD