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.