How do I register for California payroll taxes?

Registering for California Payroll Tax Account Numbers

California requires employers to register with the Employment Development Department.

Employment Development Department Employer Account Number

• Register online
• Format: 8 digits (999-9999-9, 99999999)
• To find an existing account number, call: (888) 745-3886

California Payroll Taxes

Payroll Tax Rates

The Employment Development Department will assign your unemployment insurance tax rate. New employers generally have an initial rate of 3.4%. If you’re subject to the Employment Training Tax, there is a fixed rate of 0.1%.

Workful will add SDI tax to all employees with California as their selected withholding state.

Payroll Tax Deposit Schedules

All unemployment taxes and Employment Training Taxes are deposited quarterly.

The Employment Development Department will assign your withholding deposit schedule based on your Federal deposit schedule and your accumulated withholding during the last pay period.