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The Daily Insight

How do I file payroll taxes in California?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published May 15, 2026

Log in to e-Services for Business.

  1. Select New Customer.
  2. Select Register for Employer Payroll Tax Account Number.
  3. Complete the online registration application.
  4. Select Submit.

What are the employer payroll taxes in California?

Employers are responsible for 6.2 percent on the first $132,900 of an employee’s wages, up to a maximum of $8,239.80. In contrast, Medicare has no ceiling at all. Employers pay 1.45 percent on all of an employee’s wages.

Does my employer file taxes for me?

Employers must report income and employment taxes withheld from their employees on an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Form 941) and deposit these taxes in full to an authorized bank or financial institution pursuant to Federal Tax Deposit Requirements.

How much does unemployment cost an employer in California?

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Tax-rated employers pay a percentage on the first $7,000 in wages paid to each employee in a calendar year. The UI rate schedule and amount of taxable wages are determined annually. New employers pay 3.4 percent (. 034) for a period of two to three years.

How do I do payroll myself in California?

How to process payroll yourself

  1. Step 1: Have all employees complete a W-4 form.
  2. Step 2: Find or sign up for Employer Identification Numbers.
  3. Step 3: Choose your payroll schedule.
  4. Step 4: Calculate and withhold income taxes.
  5. Step 5: Pay payroll taxes.
  6. Step 6: File tax forms & employee W-2s.

What kind of taxes do employers pay in California?

Employers pay 1.45 percent on all of an employee’s wages. The main taxes employers have to pay in California. Just in case you’re not familiar with all the taxes small businesses are on the hook for, here’s a quick look at how the payroll tax rates for California employers break down as of June 2018.

Where do I get my California tax form?

Registration forms can be ordered on Online Forms and Publications, picked up/mailed/faxed from your nearest Employment Tax Office, or downloaded from EDD’s Website. After registering, the necessary forms and publications, including California Employer’s Guide (DE 44) with the PIT withholding tables, will be sent to you.

How to get a California employer account number?

The Employment Development Department (EDD) offers employers the ability to register, file reports, make deposits, and manage their account online using a computer, smart phone or tablet. Visit the Register for Employer Payroll Tax Account Number page to obtain a California Employer Account Number and tax rate information.

What do I need to do as an employer in California?

Employers conducting business in California are required to register with and file reports and pay taxes to EDD. Who is an employer? Who needs to register with EDD and when? What are California’s payroll taxes and who pays them? What are California’s rates and wage limitations? What forms do I need and where do I get them?