Your first hire turns you into an employer, with new registrations and deadlines. Set these up before the first payday and payroll stays boring — which is exactly what you want.
Register as an employer
Get an EIN if you don’t have one, then register with your state for income tax withholding and unemployment insurance.
Collect the new-hire forms
- Form W-4 for federal withholding (plus any state form).
- Form I-9 to verify eligibility to work.
- Report the hire to your state’s new-hire registry.
Pick a schedule and a system
Choose a pay frequency your cash flow can support and a payroll provider that files and pays taxes for you. Then calendar the quarterly and year-end filings.
