Employers Required to E-File Paperwork with Employment Development Department

This requirement will expand to all employers beginning January 1, 2018.

Unemployment Insurance and Electronic Reporting

AB 1245 (Cooley; D-Rancho Cordova, Statues of 2015) requires electronic reporting for unemployment insurance reports submitted to the EDD. It also requires employers to remit contributions for unemployment insurance taxes by electronic funds transfer.

Any employer required under existing law to electronically submit wage reports and/or electronic funds transfer to the EDD will remain subject to those requirements. 

The EDD encourages employers to enroll now in e-Services for Business so they can start reporting online before this mandate begins.

For more information about the e-file and e-pay mandate, please visit: www.edd.ca.gov/EfileMandate

Benefits of Electronic Filing and Payments

• Increases data accuracy.
• Protects data through encryption, which is safer and more secure than paper forms.
• Reduces paper and mailing costs.
• Eliminates lost mail.
• Faster processing of returns and payments.

File and Pay Electronically with e-Services for Business

Employers can use e-Services for Business to comply with the e-file and e-pay mandate. e-Services for Business is a fast, easy, and secure way to manage your employer payroll tax accounts online. With e-Services for Business, you can:

• Register for an employer payroll tax account number.
• File returns and reports.
• Make payroll tax deposits and pay other liabilities.
• View and update account information.
• And more!

Waiver

This mandate contains a waiver provision for employers who are unable to electronically submit employment tax returns, wage reports, and payroll tax deposits.

The EDD will accept waiver requests from employers beginning July 2016. To request a waiver, employers must complete and submit the E-file and E-pay Mandate Waiver Request (DE 1245W).

Here are the ways to obtain a DE 1245W:

• Download theDE 1245W from the EDD website.
• Contact the Taxpayer Assistance Center at 888-745-3886.
• Visit the nearest Employment Tax Office.

Waiver requests can be submitted by mail or fax:

Mail:

Employment Development Department

Document and Information Management Center

PO Box 989779

West Sacramento, CA 95798-9779

Fax:     916-255-1181

Employers will be notified by mail if their waiver is approved or denied. An approved waiver will be valid for one year. Upon the expiration of the approval period, an employer must start to electronically file and pay, or submit a new waiver request to avoid a noncompliance penalty.