CSLB Law & Business ExamEmployment RequirementsEasy

A new employer pays wages to an employee for the first time on March 3. Under California law, by when must the employer register with the Employment Development Department (EDD)?

  1. AWithin 30 days of the end of the quarter
  2. BWithin 60 days of hiring the employee
  3. CBy the end of the calendar year
  4. DWithin 15 days of paying wages
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Within 15 days of paying wages

California employers must register with the EDD within 15 days after paying more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter, so that payroll tax withholding and reporting can begin promptly.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. There is no 30-day-after-quarter registration rule; registration must occur much sooner.
  • B. 60 days is too long and not the legal standard.
  • C. Waiting until year-end would violate the registration requirement.

EDD Employer Registration

New employers must register with the EDD within 15 days of paying wages exceeding $100 in a quarter.

  • Registration obtains an EDD employer account number
  • Required for reporting SDI, PIT, UI, and ETT
  • Late registration can trigger penalties

Memory trick: Fifteen days, no delays.

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