Iowa registration and tax info

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:

1. You answer questions about your business, including:

   • Basic company info

   • Contact details

   • Addresses

   • Owner or officer info

   • State-specific details

2. Middesk reviews your information.

3. Middesk usually submits your registration within two business days.

4. 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.

5. After your order is marked as complete, we add the charge to your next Gusto monthly invoice.

After registration is submitted

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.

Running payroll before registration is complete

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.

If you need help with any of the registration questions, check Middesk’s Help Center.

In your web browser:

1. Sign in to Gusto.

2. Go to Taxes & Compliance → Tax setup.

3. Find [State name] Tax Setup.

4. Click Learn more under “Let us help you register.”

5. Review the price, process, and timeline. We do not charge you until after your order is complete.

6. Click Get started on Middesk.

7. Review everything carefully before submitting. Mistakes can delay registration.

In the Gusto mobile app:

1. Open the Gusto mobile app and sign in.

2. In the bottom-right corner, tap More.

3. Select Taxes & compliance.

4. Scroll down to Quick links and choose Setup tax accounts.

5. Scroll down to [State name] tax setup. Tap Learn more.

6. Review the process, timeline, and pricing. We do not charge you until after your order is complete.

7. Tap Get started on Middesk.

8. Share your business information and review everything carefully before submitting. Mistakes can delay registration.

To check your Middesk registration status in Gusto:

1. Go to Taxes & Compliance → Tax setup.

2. 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:

1. Go to Taxes & Compliance, select Tax Setup, and scroll to the applicable state.

2. In the Finish your [state] registration order banner, select Cancel order.

Eligibility and requirements

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.

Unemployment tax

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.

After you submit registration

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.

Closing accounts

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.

Before you register online for Iowa state withholding tax, you'll need your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Corporations, Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, and Associations must also have each business owner's full name and Social Security Number (SSN) available.

After you register, you'll get your tax account information in about 4–6 weeks. Keep this time frame in mind when planning your first payroll for employees in Iowa.

1. Start registration by visiting the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

2. Scroll to the Registration tile and click Register a New Business.

3. Click Login or create a GovConnectIowa account to register a new business.

4. Click Create a Logon.

5. Read all the information provided, and when you're ready, click Next.

6. After creating your user account, log in and select Register.

• Cannot register online? Complete the Iowa Business Tax Permit Registration, 78-005.

• If you already registered for a permit in the past, you only need to apply once, unless your business location has moved to a new county, or you are a remote seller now selling in Iowa.

Once registered, you'll receive the below within 4–6 weeks:

• A Withholding Permit Number—this will be a nine-digit number that starts with a 3.

• Tax deposit schedule

For questions about registration, or to confirm your information, call the Iowa Department of Revenue at (515) 281-3114.

Most companies become liable for Iowa unemployment insurance tax once the company has paid one Iowa employee at least $1.00.

Liability thresholds can vary by business type (general, nonprofit, and similar). Contact the agency directly to confirm when your specific business will be liable.

Running payroll in Gusto before you're liable for SUI

If you need to run payroll and do not yet meet the above requirements, enter the new employer SUI tax rate for Iowa in Gusto in the meantime. Update it once you get your agency-assigned rate.

Register for unemployment tax

You should receive your unemployment insurance (UI) account number and tax rate (contribution rate) instantly after registering online.

1. Before starting registration, read the Iowa Workforce Development New Business Fact Sheet.

2. To check your tax liability and register for an unemployment account, register online with myIowaUI.

3. Under New Users in the top-right of the page, click Create ID.

4. Complete all remaining prompts.

5. After you've registered, give Gusto the Power of Attorney (POA) that Gusto will need to pay certain taxes. See the Authorize Gusto with Iowa agencies section.

If you cannot find your account number or rate, call the agency at (866) 239-0843.

Once you complete registration and add a valid Iowa work address for one or more employees, enter your tax account information in Gusto.

Next to Withholding Permit Number, click Edit to enter your withholding account number. This will be a nine-digit number that starts with a 3.

Where to find your Withholding Permit Number

Iowa now manages its tax accounts using GovConnectIowa. To access your tax information, you'll need to set up login credentials and enter an access code for GovConnectIowa.

Your previous e-file & Pay login credentials cannot be used in the new GovConnectIowa system.

To get access to your accounts and find your tax account info on GovConnectIowa:

1. Go to GovConnectIowa.

2. Select Create a Logon.

3. Select I am here to request access to existing accounts.

4. Follow the on-screen steps to enter your information.

5. Enter the requested account verification information. You only need to verify one account for each business. After verifying one account, you'll have the option to select access to other associated tax accounts for the business.

   • Account Type

   • Permit Number

   • IDR ID, e-file & Pay BEN, or information from a recently filed tax return

6. Complete your logon setup by following the on-screen steps.

   • Once complete, an access code and instructions will be mailed to the primary address on file with the agency. Letters are typically mailed the following business day.

7. After you receive the code, sign back in to your GovConnectIowa account and enter the access code.

If you have questions, call the agency at (515) 281-3114 or (800) 367-3388. If you cannot find your account number, contact the agency at (515) 281-3114.

Next to Tax Deposit Schedule, click Edit to enter your withholding tax deposit schedule.

Where to find your Tax Deposit Schedule

Your tax deposit schedule will be provided when you register with the Iowa Department of Revenue. If you do not have your tax deposit schedule yet, enter the fastest tax deposit schedule option available in Gusto for the meantime. You can update it later in the same location once you've received your agency-assigned deposit schedule.

If you cannot find your deposit schedule, contact the agency at (515) 281-3114.

Next to Unemployment Account Number, click Edit to enter your unemployment account number.

Where to find your Unemployment Account Number

• Your Notice of UI Contribution Rate (Form 65-5306)

• Your Employer's Contribution and Payroll Report

If you cannot find your account number, call the agency at (888) 848-7442.

Next to Unemployment Tax Rate, click Edit to enter your unemployment (contribution) tax rate.

Where to find your Unemployment Tax Rate

• Your Notice of UI Contribution Rate sent to you by the Iowa Workforce Development

Rates are updated annually, and new rates are sent out the November before a new rate goes into effect, typically effective January 1.

If you cannot find your rate, call the agency at (888) 848-7442.

If you do not have your assigned rate yet, enter the new employer SUI tax rate for Iowa in Gusto in the meantime. Update it once you receive it.

The Iowa IDR ID (formerly known as the Business e-file Number or BEN) is no longer required in Gusto for Gusto to file and pay taxes, but it can help Gusto troubleshoot tax issues. If you're prompted to enter the number in Gusto, you can find your IDR ID by logging into your GovConnectIowa account.

Gusto needs special authorization to get electronic payment authorization (ACH credit enrollment process). Gusto will request a 17-digit ACH credit number from the agency on your behalf.

For our request to be successful, verify that the following information you have entered in Gusto matches exactly what the agency has on file:

• Official company name

• Official company address

• FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

• Unemployment Account Number

If your state employer registration is incomplete, Gusto may have trouble getting the ACH Credit code needed to make your payments.

Complete your registration here, or call the agency at (888) 848-7442. Once your registration is complete, update any related information in Gusto as needed.

Gusto will then complete your ACH Credit enrollment process. There is no need for you to complete Form 53-0110 (Application for ACH Credit Transfer) if provided by the agency—Gusto completes this process for you.

Resolving authorization issues

If Gusto does not have a signed Power of Attorney (POA) on file, or Gusto's previous attempts to gain access to your online account were unsuccessful, you may need to give Gusto access directly in your MyIowaUI account. Gusto will need this access to help research and resolve tax issues on your behalf.

To authorize Gusto to view your Iowa Workforce Development account:

1. Sign in to your MyIowaUI account, or register for one if you do not already have one.

2. On the Employer Home page, from the left menu, click the Assign Agent link.

3. Enter Gusto's Agent ID: R2437716.

4. Click Next.

5. Verify that Gusto's name appears.

6. In the Account Level Role box, locate the Submit/Change Wage Detail option, and then select the corresponding Add checkbox.

7. Select the checkboxes for all other roles you want Gusto to have access to—we recommend selecting all the below:

   • System Administrator

   • Maintain Account

   • Manage Payments

   • Submit/Change Wage Detail

   • View Correspondence

   • View Transaction History

8. Click Complete.

Accountant or partner also has third-party authorization

If both Gusto and your accountant (or partner) are completing the same third-party authorization form, Gusto may inadvertently override each other's access.

If your accountant or partner selected All Roles on their authorization form (Power of Attorney form), this will remove Gusto's access.

Accountants should only select:

• Maintain Account and

• System Administrator

These two roles should give them the access they need to support your company without impacting Gusto's access.

If you're not sure what type of access you want your accountant or partner to have, you can find a list of what each role means in this Agent FAQ, or you can call the agency at (888) 848-7442 for more information.