📝 Overview
This guide covers state tax information for employers running payroll in Washington. Washington has no state income tax, so Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family and Medical Leave apply at the state level. Use the sections below to find agency contact information, supported tax filings, and the account details required for tax setup.
⚙️ Washington Tax Information
Click the arrow to view Unemployment Insurance information
Click the arrow to view Unemployment Insurance information
Agency Information
Website: Washington Employment Security Department
Phone: (855) 829-9243
Supported Tax Filings
Quarterly Tax and Wage Detail Report (WA 5208)
Required for Tax Setup
Employment Security (ES) Reference Number (12 digits, e.g., 001-234567-89-1)
Unified Business Identifier (UBI) (9 digits, e.g., 123 456 789)
Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Account ID (8 digits, e.g., 123,456-78)
Participation Activation Code (8 digits, e.g., 12345678)
Unemployment Insurance Rate (X.XX%)
Employment Admin Fund Rate (0.02% or 0.03%)
Click the arrow to view Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) information
Click the arrow to view Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) information
Agency Information
Website: Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave
Phone: (833) 717-2273
Supported Tax Filings
Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares Quarterly Report
Required for Tax Setup
Total number of Washington employees
Percentage of employee premium paid by the employer
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.
Click the arrow to view frequently asked questions
Click the arrow to view frequently asked questions
Does Washington have a state income tax withholding requirement?
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Click the arrow to see the answer
No. Washington does not have a state income tax, so there is no withholding requirement for employers. Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family and Medical Leave apply at the state level.
What is the Participation Activation Code required for Washington UI setup?
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Click the arrow to see the answer
The Participation Activation Code is an 8-digit code required as part of Washington unemployment insurance tax setup. It is issued by the Washington Employment Security Department. If you need to locate this code, contact the agency at (855) 829-9243.
How is Washington PFML different from Unemployment Insurance?
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Click the arrow to see the answer
Washington PFML and Unemployment Insurance are separate programs administered by different agencies. UI is managed by the Washington Employment Security Department, while PFML is managed by the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Both require separate setup, and PFML requires your total Washington employee count and the percentage of the employee premium you will pay as the employer.