California
Register your business in California by following this step-by-step guide for employer taxes.
California New Business Registration Guide
Taxes You Must Register For
If you’re starting a business with employees in California, you must register for:
- California State Personal Income Tax Withholding (PIT)
- Unemployment Insurance Tax (UI)
- State Disability Insurance Tax (SDI)
➤ Employer Registration Requirement
Tax Agency: California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Trigger: If you pay more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter
➤ Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Enroll in e-Services for Business
- Click the “Enroll” button
- Enter the required personal and contact information
- EDD will send you a verification email
- Click the email verification link within 24 hours to activate your account
⚠️ If you don’t verify your email within 24 hours, you must restart the enrollment process
Step 2: Register Your Business
- Log into your e-Services for Business account: https://edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/e-Services_for_Business.htm
- Click “New Customer”
- Select “Register for Employer Payroll Tax Account Number”
- Complete and submit the online registration application
➤ What You’ll Receive
Once registered, you’ll receive a California Employer Payroll Tax Account Number, also referred to as:
- State Employer Identification Number (SEIN)
- Employer State ID Number
- EDD Account Number
Format: 000-0000-0 (eight-digit numeric code)
➡️ Update your payroll account with this number to enable proper payroll tax filings
Need help?
- EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center: 1-888-745-3886
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult a CPA or tax professional for formal guidance.
Last updated on May 17, 2025