Your California Employer Account Number (EAN) is your business entity’s ticket to operating in the Golden State. Note that this special number is not a formality. It is essential in allowing you to pay taxes, manage employee benefits, and stay on the right side of California’s employment laws.
Every employer doing business in California needs an EAN. It’s a mandatory step, and you should prioritize getting it even before your first employee starts working.
The Employment Development Department (EDD), the state agency responsible for a wide range of employment programs, is the gatekeeper for issuing and managing these essential numbers.
What Is a California Employer Account Number (EAN)?
If you’re new to operating a business or considering becoming a small business owner, you need to know the facts about your California EAN. In simplest terms, it’s a unique identifier the state assigns to your business.
This eight-digit California employer payroll tax account number ensures that when you file payroll taxes, pay unemployment insurance, or contribute to disability programs, the EDD knows exactly who’s who.
Your EAN is essential for all things tax-related. Every time you process payroll in California, those state payroll taxes need a place to go. That’s where your EAN comes in — it links your payments to your business.
Think of it like your tax filing address. The same goes for unemployment insurance and state disability insurance. Your trusty EAN lets the state know you’re paying into these essential programs for your employees’ benefit.
Beyond the immediate taxes, your EAN also helps the EDD track employment trends throughout California. They use this type of data to understand the state’s workforce, make informed policy decisions, and support economic growth.
As we move forward, here are a few key points to remember:
Unique identifier: Your EAN is specifically for your business in California.
Tax Administration: It’s fundamentally about payroll taxes, unemployment, and disability insurance contributions.
Data Tracking: The EDD uses EANs to understand the larger picture of California’s employment market.
Now that you grasp the basics of your California EAN, let’s address an important question: Why do you actually need one? In the next section, we’ll discuss exactly that and go over why this number is non-negotiable for California employers.
Why Do I Need a California EAN?
Not having a California Employer Account Number (EAN) as an employer in the state is a recipe for trouble. Like other states, California is strict on its employment laws. They require you to have an EAN.
Think of the essential tasks you need to do as a California employer:
Filing Payroll Tax Returns: The state wants its tax revenue, and your EAN is how you let them know who is paying in. Without it, you’ll be scrambling to file those returns correctly.
Keeping Up With Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment insurance is a safety net for your employees if they lose their jobs. Your EAN is the bridge between your business and the state’s program.
Handling Disability Insurance: Life happens, and employees may get sick or injured. California’s disability insurance program provides financial support, and you need your EAN to play your part.
Reporting New Hires: The state likes to keep tabs on employment. Each new employee you bring on board needs to be reported, and guess what? Your EAN is your ticket to doing that.
Now, what happens if you ignore the EAN requirement? Here’s where things get less than sunny:
Potential Penalties and Fines: California takes compliance seriously, and not having an EAN could land you with costly repercussions.
Compliance Headaches: Without an EAN, you’ll face hurdles with tax filings and other essential employment processes.
Strained Relationships With the State:** Let’s face it, nobody wants to start their business on the wrong foot with the EDD.
In all, your California Employer Account Number is the key to a smooth experience as an employer in the state. It eliminates guesswork when it comes to taxes, benefit programs, and reporting. Getting an EAN shouldn’t be an afterthought — it’s one of your first steps when establishing your business in California.
How To Get a California EAN
Getting your hands on a California EAN doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. The Employment Development Department offers a couple of straightforward ways for businesses to obtain their all-important EAN.
Let’s go over the options so you can get this step out of the way and focus on building your business in California.
Step One: Online Registration With EDD E-Services for Business
This is the fastest and most convenient method for most businesses. Here’s how the California employer payroll tax account number lookup works:
Head To the EDD Website: The first step is visiting the EDD E-Services for Business portal.
Create Your Account: The website will walk you through creating an account for your business. The information you’ll need includes:
- Business name and address
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN number)
- Contact information for an authorized representative
When the website asks if you have a payroll agent, make sure you select “No.” This is important because registering with a payroll agent can complicate the process.
Within a short time after successfully registering, you’ll receive your official California EAN.
Step Two: Contacting the EDD by Phone
If technology isn’t your forte, or if you simply prefer to speak with someone directly, the EDD offers a phone option.
EDD Phone Number: Dial 1-888-745-3886 to reach them.
Operating Hours: Remember, the EDD lines are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
A representative will guide you through the process over the phone and provide your California EAN. However, wait times can sometimes be longer than the online method.
Choosing the Right Method
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Online Registration: Best for tech-smart businesses seeking a fast, self-service option.
Phone Contact: Ideal if you prefer live assistance or have complex questions.
Regardless of the route you choose, getting your California EAN should be a simple task. However, don’t put it off. Having your EAN in hand before hiring employees in California will save you potential headaches down the line.
What If I Can’t Find My EAN?
Wondering how to find a California employer payroll tax account number after trying all the above options? Here are three tried-and-true methods to recover your missing EAN:
Option One: Calling the EDD
Sometimes, the most direct path is the best one.
EDD Phone Number: Dial 1-888-745-3886 to reach them.
Operating Hours: Remember, their phone lines are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
What To Expect: A friendly representative will ask you for some basic business information to verify your identity. Once they’ve confirmed it’s you, they’ll provide your California EAN.
This method is helpful if you need your EAN urgently and want official confirmation from the source.
Option Two: Finding It on Previous Tax Forms (DE-9 or DE-9c)
If you’ve been in business for a while, there’s a good chance your California EAN is hiding in plain sight.
Take a look at any previously filed California quarterly tax forms, specifically the DE-9 or DE-9c. Your EAN should be displayed prominently on these documents — it’s typically an eight-digit number.
The location on the form may vary slightly, but it’s usually near the top or within the business identification section.
This option is a great way to jog your memory and potentially avoid contacting the EDD altogether.
Option Three: Logging Into EDD’s e-Services Website
If you’ve already registered with EDD e-Services, your California EAN could be just a few clicks away.
Access the EDD Website: Log into the EDD’s E-Services for Business portal using your existing credentials.
Find Your EAN: Once you’re logged in, go to your business profile or account settings section. Your EAN should be displayed there.
This method is perfect if you already use the EDD’s online portal for other business purposes and want a quick, self-service solution. No matter what method works best for you, keep the following in mind:
Documentation Matters: Having prior tax forms easily accessible makes this whole process much smoother.
Password Management: If you choose the online route, make sure you know your EDD e-Services login information to avoid frustration.
Act Quickly: The sooner you retrieve your missing EAN, the less likely you are to run into business compliance issues with the state.
Your California EAN is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to handling your payroll tax obligations. Don’t let it hold you back. Use one of these methods to locate it and stay on track with your business operations in California.
Stay Compliant With Mosey
Getting your California Employer Account Number sorted shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s the key to ensuring your business is starting off on the right foot in the Golden State.
By taking care of this now, you’re setting yourself up for smooth sailing when it comes to taxes, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and staying compliant with California’s employment laws.
California’s compliance laws can change, so having a reliable partner can make all the difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the process, consider exploring Mosey to automate registering for an EAN. We streamline California’s complex compliance requirements, letting you focus on growing your business. Book a demo with us today to get started.
