Texas New Employer Information
Congratulations on your decision to become a Texas new employer! You will need a few things in place before you run your first payroll:
Federal and State Tax Accounts
Federal Tax Accounts:
- Although it is not required, we recommend you enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). You can register online for the EFTPS.
- You will be able to pay taxes yourself or view payments made on your behalf with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
- To find out more, please read our article, “What Is EFTPS?“
State of Texas Tax Accounts:
- Texas new employers must register their business for a state unemployment insurance account (SUI) within 10 days of becoming an employer.
- You can register online with the Texas Workforce Commission for a TWC number.
- This number is a nine-digit number with the following format XX-XXXXXX-X. You will need your Employer Identification Number and ID issued for your company by the Texas Secretary of State.
- For more information, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission or email [email protected].
- Texas new employers use either the average rate for employers in their NAICS code or 2.7%, whichever is higher. For more information, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission.
- You will be given a new State Unemployment Tax Assessment rate every year after you have become an established employer by paying for four chargeable quarters.
- To learn more about SUTA, please read our article, “What Is SUTA Tax?”
Setting Up Your New Employee:
- Fill out the required Form I-9 for employee verification for working in the USA.
- This is a two-part form. The first section is to be completed by the employee and the second half is to be completed by the employer. To learn more, please read, “Form I-9 In a Nutshell.”
- You must retain each employee’s completed Form I-9 as long as the individual works for you. For more information please read, “What Should Be in an Employee File?”
Once you have all the necessary information, you will be able to set up your payroll for your business.
You will want to keep all payroll records for at least three years. For more information please read our help article, “What Employers Should Know About Employee Payroll Records.”
Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!
Disclaimer: This is not an all-inclusive list for new employers in Texas. Please check with state and federal governments for more details.
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