According to the Employment Development Department (EDD) website, beginning on January 1, 2017, employers with 10 or more employees will be required to electronically submit employment tax returns, wage reports, and payroll tax deposits to the EDD.
All remaining employers will be subject to this requirement beginning January 1, 2018. 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.
This mandate does contain 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).
The EDD has endeavored to put a technical assistance team in place to support employers in making the transition to its online system. The phased-in approach will enable EDD to undertake a robust education and outreach campaign.
“Employers can utilize EDD’s secure website and they do not have to purchase any additional software,” said Assemblyman Ken Cooley, the bill's sponsor. “AB 1245 also includes a hardship provision if an employer can’t access the online system.”
“Moving these filings online will save our state and businesses millions of dollars without requiring any additional infrastructure,” said Assemblyman Cooley. “As the home of the tech industry, California must continue to support innovative ways to make government function more efficiently.”
E-file and E-pay requirements are not optional after January 1, 2017 and penalties will incur for non-compliance of this mandate. The EDD has provided detailed information outlining the types of filing and forms with the associated penalties.
The EDD has stressed that there are benefits for employers from the new requirements. In a recent letter issued to business owners, they listed them as follows:
The e-file and e-pay mandate requires the following returns, reports, and payments to be electronically submitted:
For additional information employers can go to the EDD's website and visit their FAQ page on the E-file and E-pay Mandate (Assembly Bill 1245).
An updated payroll compliance strategy will help your organization meet its obligations, while providing accuracy and timeliness. So take time to understand the laws, prioritize employee and manager salary changes, and maintain accurate record keeping. In this way, you will make compliance a sure thing.
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