Navigating child support in California can be confusing, especially when tracking child support payments. The reporting process of new hires is essential to finding individuals who are behind on child support to hold them accountable. Here’s how to report a new job to child support in California.
All employers must report a new job to child support in California. Employers need to report new hires within 20 days and may face serious fines for noncompliance. The new hire reporting process upholds child support in California for those who need it.
What is New Hire Reporting in California?
The Employment Development Department requires all companies and employers to use new hire reporting as a protocol in California. Employers report all newly hired employees to the new employee registry, which reports against child support records to find parents behind child support and enforce orders. The requirement prevents children relying on child support from becoming part of the state’s welfare system. Information is also put into a national database to find offenders outside of California.
Related: Child Custody FAQs in California
Elements of a Report
California requires employers to submit new hire reports within 20 days of the employee’s start date. Employers must include the following to file a new hire report in California:
Employer Information:
- Payroll Tax Account Number
- Branch Code
- Federal Employer ID Number
- Business Name and Address
- Name and phone number of a contact person
Employee Information:
- Full legal name
- Social Security number
- Start date
- Home address
Related: How to Collect Back Child Support in California
The Reporting Process
To report new hires in California for child support, employers should use e-services for business; an online portal used to manage payroll and tax accounts. If employers wish to file on paper, they can use the following method:
- On the EDD website, download a DE 34 to be filled in
- Use the online forms and publications page at the EDD
- Print data directly from the computer
- Call the California taxpayer assistance center
- Visit the employment tax office located locally
- Create a custom form with the required information.
- To submit a paper form, California employers should mail the form to the Employment Development Department, P.O. Box 997016,
- MIC 96, Sacramento, CA 95799-7016.
Reporting Independent Contractors
California also requires employers to report independent contractors. Employers should report newly hired independent contractors using the DE-542 form.
State law requires employers to report an independent contractor if they meet the following requirements:
- The employer will pay the contractor $600 or more or enters a contract for more than $600
- The contractor is a sole proprietorship
- The employer will issue a 1099-misc form to the contractor
Failing to report independent contractors or employees will result in a fine of $24 per employee.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about how to report a new job to child support in California, get your free consultation with one of our child support attorneys today!