Within how many days of hiring a new employee must a California employer report the hire to the New Employee Registry (EDD)?
Explanation
California employers report every new or rehired employee to the EDD New Employee Registry within 20 days of the start-of-work date, on Form DE 34 or electronically through e-Services for Business. (d) is the federal floor many other states use, and it is what a multi-state payroll service will often default to - earlier than California requires, but not California's rule. (b) borrows the 30-day rhythm of monthly payroll reporting. (a) is simply the outer edge of what feels reasonable. The start-of-work date, not the hire date or the first payday, starts the clock.
Law Reference: Unemp. Ins. Code §1088.5; EDD Form DE 34This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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