Wisconsin Payroll Tax Registration

Congratulations on hiring a new employee in Wisconsin! To ensure compliance with state regulations, employers in Wisconsin are required to register for payroll tax, which includes the withholding of income tax, the payment of unemployment insurance, and the reporting of wage and tax information to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

How Wisconsin Payroll Registration Works

There are 2 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in Wisconsin to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the Wisconsin agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Wisconsin Withholding Tax Setup

Wisconsin employers must obtain a Withholding Account Number by filing a new Business Tax Registration (Form BTR-101) with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

1. Register for a Withholding Account Number Online

   Register your business with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to obtain your Withholding Account Number. You should receive this number in 24 hours after registering online, or three to four days if registering by mail.

2. Configure Payroll with Your Withholding Account Number

   Upon receipt, provide your assigned Withholding Account Number to your payroll provider.

3. Create My Tax Account Username

   Once your PIN has arrived via email (one to two business days) or physical mail (seven to 10 business days), visit My Tax Account and select "Create new username" to create a username.

Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Setup

Wisconsin employers must register for an Unemployment Account with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development by filling out a Preliminary Report (Form UCT-43-E).

1. Register for an Unemployment Insurance Account Number

   Visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website and register to determine your initial unemployment tax liability. Select "Create Logon ID" and complete profile, including filing the Preliminary Report (Form UTC-43-E). You should receive your account number and tax rate instantly after registering online, or in one to two weeks if registering by mail.

2. Configure Payroll with Your Unemployment Account Number

   Upon receipt, provide your Unemployment Account Number to your payroll provider.

3. Create an Employer Online Services Account

   Upon receipt of Unemployment Insurance Account Number and Internet Access Number, visit Employer Online Services to register to file quarterly reports and pay tax due.