California Payroll Guide – Paid

There are three required tax items you’ll need in order to get set up for payroll.

Requirement	Format	Agency
State Employer Payroll Tax Account (EDD Number)	XXX-XXXX-X (8 digits)	Employment Development Department
State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Rate	X.X%	Employment Development Department
Employment Training Tax (ETT) Rate	X.X%	Employment Development Department

How to register:

State Employer Payroll Tax Account Number

The most straightforward method to obtain an EDD number is to register online through the EDD's E-Services for Business portal. If asked about a payroll agent, choose "No" and proceed to register as if you do not have a payroll agent. Following successful enrollment, your business will be assigned an EDD number.

Alternatively, you can contact the EDD at (888)745-3886 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time to speak with a staff member.

How to locate these numbers if you’re already registered:

If you've registered for an account but haven't filed a state payroll tax return yet, you can swiftly obtain the number by calling the EDD at (888)745-3886.
If you are transitioning from another provider or have a history of filing state payroll tax returns, your EDD number is on previously submitted quarterly tax forms. Check Form DE-9 or DE-9c for an eight-digit number in the format XXX-XXXX-X.
If you have the EDD e-Services login information but can't find your EDD number or SUI rate, you can log in to the EDD website to retrieve it.
Learn how to locate or obtain an EIN.

Contact the EDD at (888)745-3886 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time to speak with a staff member.