Legal Requirements for Hiring an Employee in Washington State Step 1: Master Business License. In Washington, the first step in hiring an employee is to properly report your intention to do so on your master business license application. Step 2: I-9 Form. Step 3: W-4 Form. Step 4: Report Hire to DSHS. Step 5: Taxes.
Officers of for-profit corporations who provide services in Washington are automatically exempt from Unemployment Insurance, unless the employer specifically requests coverage. Submit a Voluntary Election Form to the Employment Security Department for optional corporate officer coverage.
Employers receive a Participation Activation Code (PAC) for their Workers' Comp Insurance, which can be found on your Workers' Comp "new account letter" and "annual rate notice." The PAC number ranges from 3 to 8 digits. If you are unsure of your number, contact the Washington L&I agency at (360) 902-4817.
Washington State Forms 5208A and 5208B, Employer's Quarterly Tax and Wage Detail Reports. Wisconsin Form UCT-101 and UC-7823-E, Quarterly Contribution Report and Quarterly Wage Report.
New Hire Paperwork W-4 - send a copy to DES Payroll. W-4 - Spanish version - send a copy to DES Payroll. I-9 Form (I-9 Instructions) - keep at agency. PERS Retirement Status - send a copy to DES Payroll. Direct Deposit Form - send a copy to DES Payroll.
The business license application will take approximately 10 business days to process. If you have city or state endorsements, it may take an additional 2-3 weeks to receive your business license due to approval time.
If you have employees in Washington, you need to apply for a license from the state Department of Revenue. If you're already licensed but hiring employees for the first time, you need to update your business license application. Find the application on the Department of Revenue website.