Once enrolled, an employer can keep track of payroll tax payments and filings. The Employment Development Department (EDD) uses the information to quickly catch overpayments.

1. Enroll in e-Services for Business. Visit the service webpage at eddservices.edd.ca.gov, and enroll as a new user. Every employer has to get a business username and password. Agents can use the online system to file for the employer.

After an e-mail comes into the business' e-mail account, use the link to verify the enrollment. The verification is done on the Enrollment Verification Page.

Employers that were enrolled before March 1, 2011 have to re-enroll.

2. Set up the employer account. Businesses without an EDD employer account can simply go through the steps to set one up. Employers that already have an account can make any changes that will help them file their returns and taxes online.

3. Make sure all accounts are ready before using e-Services for Business. Employers with both an EDD employer account and a payroll tax account are ready. Those without a payroll tax account can register. On e-Services for Business, select registration for Employer Payroll Tax Account.

Once all accounts are registered, an employer can do all their payroll tax work online.

4. e-File returns and reports online. Log on to e-Services for Business. Quarterly returns are filed online. So are the reports.

Use the EDD service for total taxable wages, and taxable wages for unemployment insurance, employment training tax (ETT), state disability insurance (SDI), and personal income tax (PIT). Also send in the contributions and withholding amounts.

The two main forms filed online are DE 9, Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages, and DE 9C, Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages (Continuation). The DE 34 and the DE 542 forms are also filed online. Attachments are submitted online with the forms.

Make detailed wage statements for each employee using the service. The formal statements show California officials how the business' wage payments have given the employee the amounts they use for income tax contributions. Employers that have to make adjustments to reported contributions and withholding can use the service to make the changes.

5. Pay tax deposits and owed amounts online.

6. View account information to keep track of the business' payroll taxes. When a wage number or a tax number is needed, the online account can report on one of the full length of tax facts. Account holders can get the information they want.

Sources:

The California Employment Development Department, payroll tax information posted on website www.edd.ca.gov (September 6, 2011).