Onboarding Mode

From Registration to First Filing

A complete walkthrough for new WA employers. Follow these steps in order.

1
2
3
4
5
🏢
Step 1

Get Your UBI from WA Secretary of State

  • Go to sos.wa.gov → "Business & Organization Filings"
  • Register your LLC or sole proprietorship
  • You will receive a 9-digit UBI number (e.g., 606-135-913)
  • Keep this number — every WA state agency requires it
🏦
Step 2

Set Up Your WA DOR Account

  • Go to dor.wa.gov → "My DOR" → "Log in or Sign Up"
  • Select "Business" and enter your UBI
  • You may owe B&O Tax if your revenue exceeds $28,000/year
  • File quarterly B&O returns even if $0 (zero filing)
🛡️
Step 3

Register with WA ESD (Unemployment Insurance)

  • Go to esd.wa.gov → "Employers" → "Register as an Employer"
  • Enter your UBI and FEIN (federal EIN)
  • You'll receive an ESD Account Number
  • Required once you pay your first employee
📋
Step 4

Complete Your First ESD Zero Filing

  • Log into WA EAMS (eams.wa.gov)
  • Click "File a Report" → "Quarterly Wage Report"
  • Select the quarter, confirm $0 wages
  • Or: use Micro-Payroll's Zero Filing Fast Track to generate a CSV and upload it
Use Zero Filing Fast Track →
💸
Step 5

Pay Your Federal 941 via IRS Direct Pay

  • Calculate your 941 liability using Micro-Payroll's calculator
  • Go to irs.gov/payments → "Direct Pay"
  • Select "Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Form 941)"
  • Enter your EIN and payment amount