Hiring Your First Employee? Here’s How to Register for Payroll Taxes

Before you run your first paycheck, you must register for payroll taxes. In this video, Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet.com, walks you through the process in 5 simple steps.

Whether you’re setting up payroll for the first time or expanding into new states, this guide makes it easy to understand exactly which accounts you need and how to get them registered correctly.

Step 1: Get Your Federal EIN
Every employer needs an EIN before registering for state payroll accounts. You’ll learn what it is, why you need it, and where to get it.

Step 2: Register for State Withholding Tax
This is the tax you withhold from employee paychecks and send to your state’s Department of Revenue.
We’ll cover:
● What the withholding account is
● Where it’s filed
● Why processing times vary by state

Step 3: Register for State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
SUI (or SUTA) is required for every employer.
You’ll learn:
● Where to apply
● What information is required
● How SUI rates are issued

Step 4: Know Your Deadlines & Set Up Payroll
Once your accounts are approved, you’ll receive:
● State withholding account number
● State unemployment account number
We’ll also explain deposit schedules, quarterly reporting, and what to give your payroll provider.

Step 5: Want to Skip the Paperwork?
If you want help with:
● State withholding registration
● State unemployment registration
● Local payroll tax accounts

CorpNet handles the entire setup process for you in all 50 states — fast, accurate, and fully compliant.