How to get a California EDD employer account number

Short answer: you get a California employer payroll tax account number by enrolling in EDD's e-Services for Business and registering as a New Employer online. EDD says you "must register as an employer within 15 days" once you hire employees and "Pay more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter." PJ, a local in Cardiff, can sit with you through the enrollment and the application, $30 an hour.

• You just hired your first person
  When the 15 days start.
• You need the number now
  The e-Services steps, in order.
• You pay someone through Venmo or Zelle
  Payment apps count as wages.

Pick the line that sounds like you. Not sure? Text PJ and say who you are.

EDD: "You must register as an employer within 15 days if you: Own a business and: Hire employees, and Pay more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter." For household workers (a nanny, a caregiver at home): "Pay $750 or more in cash wages in a calendar quarter" (EDD, Step 1: Register as an Employer).

Uses EDD's own thresholds above; nothing leaves this page.

"Wages include: Checks Cash Electronic payments Payment app payments The cash value of noncash payments, such as meals and lodging" (EDD). So paying a helper by Venmo or Zelle counts.

EDD: "Enroll in e-Services for Business to register for your employer payroll tax account number. It is fast, easy, and secure and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

1. Go to e-Services for Business and select Enroll; enter the required information, answer the security questions, review the Enrollment Summary and select Submit.
2. Check your email and select the verification link: "You must verify your email within 24 hours. If you do not, you will need to restart enrollment."
3. Log in, select New Employer, then Next, review the New Registration screen and select "Click here to register for Employer Payroll Tax Account Number."
4. Complete the online application and select Submit.

Can't do it online? EDD's paper option is the Commercial Employer Account Registration and Update Form (DE 1), which "most employers should use," with separate forms for household, agricultural and nonprofit employers. Include your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) (EDD, Step 3: Register for a Payroll Tax Account).

Stuck or locked out of e-Services? EDD's Taxpayer Assistance Center: 1-888-745-3886 (EDD, e-Services for Business FAQ).

The rest of a new business's filings: the San Diego license and 4 filings · the seller's permit (free) · the Statement of Information · the DBA.

• Register with you: PJ sits with you through the e-Services enrollment, the email check and the New Employer application, and keeps the account number where you can find it. $30 an hour.

Text PJ (858) 461-8054

"It's about being nice and showing up." PJ, a real person in Cardiff and Solana Beach. Paperwork only, no tax or payroll advice. Prices are set in one place and shown before anything starts.

Sources: EDD, Step 1: Register as an Employer, EDD, Step 3: Register for a Payroll Tax Account. Checked October 30, 2026.

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