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Before you can pay employees in a new state, you must register with the state’s tax agencies. This lets you file and pay the right taxes.
🎥 Watch a quick video to learn how registering in a new state works
📚 See our blog for full state business guides
Expand the sections below to learn more. Use CMD + F (or CTRL + F) to search for words in the article.
Gusto works with Middesk to register your business for state tax accounts when you hire employees or start working in a new state. We set up state income tax withholding and state unemployment insurance so we can run payroll and file taxes on your behalf.
We can start your registration after all of these are true:
You added a company work address in the new state.
You assigned that address to a new or existing employee.
You checked your Gusto Home page for a registration to-do.
If required, you registered with preliminary state agencies (like the Secretary of State or Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) first and confirmed it's done.
States that require SOS registration before tax setup: Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Vermont.
Middesk cannot help with registration if your business is:
A non-profit that is not a 501(c)(3)
A business that left a PEO
A business that bought another business that was already registered
A business that changed its legal entity type (for example, LLC to Corp)
A Limited Partnership (LP) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
You must also:
Have a FEIN in Gusto
Not already have a tax account in that state
If you already registered with the state, Middesk will cancel the order and you will not be charged.
Included
Middesk registers your business for:
State income tax withholding
State unemployment insurance (SUI)
Not included
Middesk does not register your business for:
Local tax agency registration
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) registration
Third-Party Agent (TPA) access
Power of Attorney (POA) authorization
Some states require TPA or POA for Gusto to file and pay taxes. In most cases, you must set this up yourself after registration. If you need to register for local taxes or PFML, or set up TPA or POA, use the state-specific article for step-by-step instructions.
The cost, steps, and timeline depend on the state. Before you submit anything in Gusto, we show you:
The price
What is included
How long registration usually takes
You are not charged until the order is marked as completed. The charge appears on your next Gusto monthly invoice.
You can also visit the Middesk Help Center to see estimated processing times for each state.
Here is what to expect when Middesk handles your registration:
You answer questions about your business, including:
Basic company info
Contact details
Addresses
Owner or officer info
State-specific details
Middesk reviews your information.
Middesk usually submits your registration within two business days.
A state agency may contact you to verify the request.
⚠️ Important: If you do not respond to a verification call or email within 3–5 business days, the order may be canceled and refunded.
After your order is marked as complete, we add the charge to your next Gusto monthly invoice.
When Middesk receives your tax account numbers, they enter them in Gusto (for most states and agencies). You will get emails from Gusto and Middesk with updates and next steps.
For most states, Middesk receives agency mail during registration and adds your tax info to Gusto. You can view this mail in a digital mailbox. After registration is complete, the agency updates its mailing address to your business address. If you need to take action, we will notify you by email or Home page to-do.
States that mail tax account info directly to your business: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington DC, and West Virginia. When you receive the letter, check your email for instructions on how to send the info to Middesk.
You can run payroll before registration finishes. However:
Gusto cannot file or pay taxes until all tax account numbers are added.
You may receive late notices or penalties. These are your responsibility.
For unemployment tax, use your state’s new employer rate until you receive the correct one.
Note: You can cancel orders before they are sent to Middesk. Once an order is submitted to Middesk, it cannot be canceled or refunded.
If you need help with any of the registration questions, check Middesk’s Help Center.
In your web browser:
Go to Taxes & Compliance → Tax setup.
Find [State name] Tax Setup.
Click Learn more under “Let us help you register.”
Review the price, process, and timeline. We do not charge you until after your order is complete.
Click Get started on Middesk.
Review everything carefully before submitting. Mistakes can delay registration.
In the Gusto mobile app:
Open the Gusto mobile app and sign in.
In the bottom-right corner, tap More.
Select Taxes & compliance.
Scroll down to Quick links and choose Setup tax accounts.
Scroll down to [State name] tax setup. Tap Learn more.
Review the process, timeline, and pricing. We do not charge you until after your order is complete.
Tap Get started on Middesk.
Share your business information and review everything carefully before submitting. Mistakes can delay registration.
To check your Middesk registration status in Gusto:
Go to Taxes & Compliance → Tax setup.
Find the state and view the status.
Possible statuses include:
Tax registration in progress
We need more information
The state is working on your order
Your registration is complete
Your order is on hold (often due to state requirements)
You have existing tax accounts
We could not complete your registration
If you entered the wrong eligibility date, email [email protected].
Some states require Gusto to have TPA or POA on file before we can file and pay taxes. Middesk usually does not set this up.
Check the state-specific registration article to see if TPA or POA is required for your state.
If there is no TPA or POA section in the state article, it is not needed right now.
If TPA or POA requires an agency portal:
If Middesk creates the agency account during registration, you will find the login details in Gusto: go to Taxes & Compliance → Tax setup after registration.
If Middesk does not create the account but the state requires portal access, you must create the account yourself.
You can only cancel an order before it is submitted to Middesk. Once submitted, orders cannot be canceled or refunded.
To cancel your order:
Go to Taxes & Compliance, select Tax Setup, and scroll to the applicable state.
In the Finish your [state] registration order banner, select Cancel order.
Q: Do I need a FEIN to use Gusto’s registration service?
A: Yes. You must have a FEIN to register through Gusto. If your business is merging or being acquired, Middesk cannot help with registration.
Q: Why can’t I enter 0% ownership or add a commercial owner?
A: Some states require a minimum ownership percentage or an individual owner. If your situation does not meet state rules, you will need to register outside of Gusto.
Q: What if the responsible party is international without an SSN or ITIN?
A: Middesk cannot help in this case. You will need to register directly with the state.
Q: What if I’m not liable for unemployment tax yet?
A: Use today’s date or the expected liability date. Use the new employer rate until you get your company-specific rate.
Q: I need to change information I already submitted. What do I do?
A: Email [email protected].
Q: What if the tax agency contacts me?
A: Respond right away, within 3–5 business days. Missing a verification call or email can cancel your registration order.
Q: When will my tax account numbers be available?
A: Timelines vary by state. Check Middesk’s guidance for estimates.
Q: Can Middesk close my state tax accounts?
A: No. You must close accounts directly with the state.
Visit the Middesk Help Center for help with registration-specific questions.
Contact Gusto from the ( ? ) in your account for all other payroll or tax setup help.
You'll work with the following Connecticut agencies when registering for payroll taxes:
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DOR): Handles income tax withholding.
Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL): Handles unemployment tax.
Connecticut Paid Leave Authority: Handles Paid Family and Medical Leave.
If you register online or in person, you'll receive your CT Tax Registration Number and tax deposit schedule (filing frequency) in real time.
For everything you need to start a new business in Connecticut, check out the state's online business checklist.
Go to the myconneCT website.
Find the Businesses section and click New Business/Need a CT Registration Number?
Read about what you'll need to register. When you're ready, scroll down and click Next.
Complete all remaining prompts.
New CT Registration Numbers are 12 digits, and the last three digits are always 000. All previous 10 or 11-digit account numbers are still valid and do not need to be changed.
If you have questions, call the agency at (860) 297-5962.
Your company becomes liable for state unemployment insurance tax once the company has:
Paid $1,500 in wages during a calendar quarter
Had at least one Connecticut employee working for any part of the week for 20 or more different weeks during a calendar year
If you need to run payroll but do not yet meet the above requirements, you can still do so. Enter the new employer rate for Connecticut in Gusto for now, and update the rate once you receive it.
Make sure during registration that the Connecticut Department of Labor knows when you plan to become liable.
Note: When creating a ReEmployCT account for the first time, you may be asked for an eight-digit registration number. This is your old Employer Account Number (EAN).
You'll only use your eight-digit registration number to create your new account in the ReEmployCT system.
When entering your eight-digit registration number on the agency website, use the format XX - XXXXX - 0.
For example, if your EAN was 76543210 in the old system, you would enter 76-54321-0.
Once you have a ReEmployCT account, most transactions will require your new ten-digit EAN. Your ten-digit EAN is your old EAN followed by two or three trailing zeros.
For example, if your EAN was 9876543 in the old system, you would enter 98-76543-0-00 in Gusto or when completing a transaction in ReEmployCT.
You should receive your CT Unemployment Number and company-specific unemployment rate instantly, followed by a confirmation letter in the mail within one week.
Learn about registration requirements on the CT Department of Labor website.
Register your business online using the ReEmployCT system.
Select whether you're a new or existing employer, then complete the rest of registration.
If you have questions, call the Employer Status Unit at (860) 263-6550.
Gusto supports Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave program and deducts 0.5% from Connecticut employee payrolls. You still need to register with the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, but Gusto uses your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) to file and pay the tax. You do not need to enter the CT PFML account ID in Gusto.
Starting October 1, 2025, Connecticut expanded eligibility for the Paid Leave program to cover non-certified school employees. Employees of public school operators and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools who work in jobs that do not require a professional license are now included.
All covered schools must:
Register with the Connecticut Paid Leave program.
Deduct a 0.5% contribution from the wages of eligible employees.
Send contributions to the state quarterly.
Gusto automatically handles the 0.5% payroll deduction and uses your FEIN to file and pay the tax. You must still register with the state. You do not need to provide a Connecticut PFML account ID.
Employees qualify for benefits if they have:
Worked for the school for at least 12 weeks
Earned at least $2,325 in their highest-earning quarter within the base period
Once you complete registration, take these steps:
Give Gusto third-party access (TPA) so we can help manage your taxes with the agency.
Enter your tax account information in Gusto once you add a valid Connecticut work address for one or more employees.
If you've already registered in Connecticut, you need to enter your tax account details in Gusto. You need to be registered with one or more of the following agencies for Gusto to file and pay taxes on your behalf:
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DOR): Handles income tax withholding.
Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL): Handles unemployment tax.
Connecticut Paid Leave Authority: Handles Paid Family and Medical Leave.
If you still need to register, see the Register for CT income, unemployment, and Paid Family and Medical Leave tax on your own section earlier in this article.
Once you add a valid Connecticut work address in Gusto for one or more employees, you can enter your state tax account information.
To add your Connecticut tax account information:
Go to Taxes & compliance, then select Tax setup.
Find Connecticut Tax Setup and select Manage taxes.
Follow the instructions below for each tax type.
Important: If you edit a tax account number after payments or filings have been made, there may be tax implications. Learn how to pull reports in Gusto that can help you correct any historical tax issues related to tax account number updates.
Next to CT Tax Registration Number, click Edit to enter your withholding account number. New CT Registration Numbers are 12 digits, and the last three digits are always 000. All previous 10 or 11-digit account numbers are still valid and do not need to be changed.
Note: You do not need to enter your tax deposit schedule (filing frequency) in Gusto. Gusto defaults to the fastest deposit schedule of weekly for all customers.
Notices from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Your myconneCT account
If you cannot find your account number, contact the agency at (860) 297-5962.
Next to Employer Account Number, click Edit to enter your ten-digit EAN. Use the format ##-#####-0-00.
If you only have a seven-digit number, enter three trailing zeros at the end.
If you have an eight-digit number, enter two trailing zeros at the end.
Notices from the Connecticut Department of Labor
Your ReEmployCT account
If you cannot find your account number, contact the agency at (860) 263-6550.
Next to Unemployment Tax Rate, click Edit to enter your unemployment rate.
Your Statement of Experience Account notice from the Connecticut Department of Labor (the rate appears on the bottom right of the notice)
Your ReEmployCT account
If you cannot find your rate, contact the agency at (860) 263-6550.
If you do not have your assigned rate yet, enter the new employer rate for Connecticut in Gusto in the meantime. Update the rate once you receive it.
Gusto uses your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) to file and pay the Paid Family and Medical Leave tax. There is no separate account number to enter in Gusto for this program.
If you still need to register, go to the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority registration page.
For Gusto to keep your Connecticut tax information up to date and help troubleshoot tax issues, you need to authorize Gusto as your third-party agent (TPA) for the agencies below:
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DOR): Withholding tax.
Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL): Unemployment tax.
Sign in to your myconneCT account.
Click your business name.
Under the Accounts tab, check if Withholding Tax appears. If you do not see it, follow the steps below to add it.
If you do see it, Gusto should be able to get the access needed as long as the following company details match on both the agency and Gusto side: company name, FEIN, and address.
Follow the steps below or use the agency's guide for adding a tax account.
Sign in to your myconneCT account.
Click your business name.
Click More…
Under Taxpayer Updates, select Add Additional Accounts and Locations.
Read all the instructions, then click Next.
Select the applicable Registration Reason, then click Next.
Select Income Tax Withholding, then click Next.
Answer the questions on the next page, then click Next.
Click Next again.
Sign with your name and title, then click Submit.
Verify that the company information in Gusto matches exactly what the agency has on file. Compare the information in Gusto against your agency portal, or call the agency at (860) 297-5962.
The following information must match:
Company name
FEIN
Address
To authorize Gusto, you'll first need to set up an account in the ReEmployCT portal. If you need help, call the agency at (860) 263-6470.
Go to the ReEmployCT portal to register or create a user ID and password for already registered employers.
If you created a CT DOL employer account before July 5, 2022: Under Existing Employers, click Create User ID and Password. You'll be asked to enter the first eight digits of your Employer Account Number (EAN). The EAN is your seven-digit registration number from the old system plus a trailing zero.
For example, 12-345-67 becomes 12-34567-0.
If you're a new employer to CT DOL and need to register your business: Under New Employers, click Apply Here.
Gusto handles the rest of the requirements for setting up third-party authorization (TPA).
Once Gusto has access, you'll be able to:
View, file, and amend tax returns
View and make payments
Maintain your addresses
Respond to audits
Close your account
CT UC-5A (Connecticut Correction of EE Quarterly Earnings Report)
Unemployment tax.
CT UC-2 (Connecticut Employer Contribution)
Unemployment tax.
CT 941 (Connecticut Return for Annual Filer)
CT 941 DRS (Connecticut Quarterly W/H Return)
CT W-3 (Connecticut Annual W/H Reconciliation)
State W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement)
CT 941X (Amended Connecticut Reconciliation of Withholding)
New Hire Report
You can view forms in Taxes & Compliance, then Tax documents. Switch between the tabs to find federal, state, W-2s, and 1099s.
Some forms show an asterisk (*). Forms like payment vouchers or coupons that were filed electronically may not show in your Gusto account. Sign in to the agency's portal to view filings and payments.
To see what Gusto has paid for you, run the Agency Payments report.
Revenue Agency: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
Phone: (860) 297-5962
Workforce or Labor Agency: Connecticut Department of Labor, Employment Security Division (DOL)
Phone: (860) 263-6470
If MyCTSavings notifies you about enrollment, you can automate payroll deductions and streamline your plan administration by integrating your company's auto-IRA with Gusto.
Learn how to close or reopen tax accounts.