California: How to Manage Your Employer Payroll Tax Accounts

This guide provides essential information on registering, managing, and troubleshooting both State Income Tax (SIT) and State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) accounts in California.

State: California (CA) 

SIT (State Income Tax): 

• Portal Link: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration 

• Filing Frequency: Quarterly 

• New Employer Rate: Not Applicable (N/A) 

• ID # Format: 999-9999-9 (FEIN) 

• Phone #: (888) 745-3886 

• New Registration Estimated Processing Time: Immediate 

• Delivery Method: Online 

SUI (State Unemployment Insurance): 

• Portal Link: California Employment Development Department 

• Filing Frequency: Quarterly 

• New Employer Rate: 3.4% plus 0.1% training tax 

• ID # Format: Same as SIT 

• Phone #: (888) 745-3886 

• New Registration Estimated Processing Time: 10 Business Days 

• Delivery Method: Online 

Registration Process: 

Just hired your first employee in a new state or local jurisdiction?
Or have you received a notice requesting tax details for a new account?

The links below will take you directly to the tax authority sites where you can register for new payroll tax accounts quickly and easily.

• SIT Registration: California Tax Registration 

• SUI Registration: California Employer Login 

Third-Party Administrator (TPA): 

• TPA Required for SIT: Necessary forms will be sent during your payroll onboarding 

• TPA Required for SUI: Necessary forms will be sent during your payroll onboarding 

Forms We File 

• CA Report of New Hires (DE 34)*
• Payroll Tax Deposit Coupon (DE88)*
• Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages (DE 9)
• Combined Payroll Tax Payment Coupon (DE 9C)

For any additional questions, please reach out to us at support@goco.io 💚

Information Updated 01.06.24