This article is for admins who want Gusto to help them with state tax registration.
Gusto can register your business in a new state in two ways:
Gusto Business Compliance (recommended) — we register your business and handle your ongoing state compliance, like registered agent service and annual reports.
One-time state tax registration — our partner Middesk sets up your state tax accounts, with no subscription.
Expand the option that fits your business below. Use CMD + F (or CTRL + F) to search for words in the article.
Note: A new state only appears after you assign an employee a work address in that state.
With Gusto Business Compliance, we register your business with the state and keep you in good standing after that. We act as your registered agent, file your annual reports, watch your government mail, and give you a concierge team. For the full details, see Use Gusto Business Compliance to stay compliant in states.
You can add Business Compliance if all of these are true:
You run payroll with Gusto. Business Compliance is not sold on its own.
You're on the Solo, Simple, Plus, or Premium plan. It's included with Premium at no extra cost.
Your business is a corporation, an LLC, or a PLLC. Corporations include S corporations, professional corporations, and nonprofit corporations. An LLC qualifies however it's taxed.
Business Compliance is not available yet for sole proprietors, general partnerships, limited partnerships, or limited liability partnerships (LLPs). It's also not available for cannabis-related businesses, on any plan.
Not sure if you qualify? Chat with us before you sign up.
Business Compliance works state by state. Each state you add includes:
Registered agent — we accept legal and government mail for your business in that state.
Change of registered agent — we file the change so your mail comes to us.
Foreign qualification — we register your business with the Secretary of State so you can legally work there.
State tax registration — we register you with the state's tax agencies when you hire or start working there.
Annual report filing — we file the yearly report that keeps your business in good standing.
Government mail monitoring — we scan mail from state agencies into Gusto. Each notice comes with a plain-language summary of what it means and what to do next.
Proactive alerts — we tell you about deadlines before they're due.
You also get a compliance concierge team, no matter how many states you cover.
Cost: $85 per state, per month, billed monthly. It's included with Premium at no extra cost. State filing fees are charged at cost and show on your invoice.
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and local tax registration are not included. If your state requires them, see Register for PFML and local taxes.
Sign in to Gusto.
Go to Taxes & Compliance.
Select Business compliance.
Answer the questions about your business and the states where you work.
Review the price and what's included, then confirm.
After your first state is set up, you'll see its registrations and anything left to do.
When you add an employee or work location in a new state, that state shows up under Your states as Setup in progress, with your next step. Steps often include telling us more about your business there and moving your registered agent to us.
Select Start on a task to finish it, or View state details to see everything for that state. When every step is done, the state changes to Active.
To be your registered agent in a state, we file a change of registered agent with that state.
When a state needs this, you'll see a task on that state's card under Your states. Select Start to begin.
Keep your current registered agent until we confirm the transfer is done. A gap in coverage can put your business out of good standing in that state.
Once a state is active, we take over the ongoing work. We review your government mail, track your deadlines, and give you a concierge team to ask about any of it.
Your Business compliance page also shows your Compliance documents and Tax account details for each state.
Because we're your registered agent, legal mail for your business comes to us.
Other mail from state agencies is scanned into Agency notices on your Business compliance page. Each notice shows the state it came from, when it arrived, and a plain-language summary of what it means and what to do next. Select Unread or State to filter the list.
Still not sure what a notice means? Select Ask concierge about this mail on that notice. Your concierge team will follow up and explain what, if anything, you need to do.
If a notice is about your state payroll taxes, your concierge team brings in our tax resolution team. Learn more in How to handle a tax notice from an agency.
When you sign up, you get a compliance concierge team. They'll:
Learn about your business and the states where you work.
Check in regularly to make sure your filings are on track.
Explain any government mail you're unsure about.
Answer questions about your account.
To reach them, select Talk to a compliance concierge on your Business compliance page, or email [email protected].
We track filing and renewal deadlines for the states you cover. This includes annual reports, franchise tax filings, and business license renewals.
You'll get a notice in Gusto and by email before each deadline.
We file what we can for you. If a filing needs your approval, we'll send it to you with time to review.
Go to Taxes & Compliance → Business compliance → Manage subscription.
To stop coverage in one state, select Remove next to that state.
To cancel Business Compliance, select Leave Business Compliance.
If Business Compliance is included with your Premium plan, you'll see a note on this page.
Before you remove a state: We'll stop being your registered agent there. Most states require one, so appoint a new agent to stay in good standing. We'll also stop tracking that state's mail and deadlines.
These services are billed separately from your subscription. Order them when you need them:
Certificate of good standing — official proof that your business can operate and is in good standing. You may need one for a loan, a contract, or investors.
Business license report — a list of the federal, state, and local licenses and permits your business needs.
State account closure — we close your state tax accounts when you stop working in a state.
Initial report — the first report some states require soon after you register with the Secretary of State.
Franchise tax filing — we prepare and submit your Delaware franchise tax filing, and pay the state from your connected bank account.
You can order a certificate of good standing or close state tax accounts from your Business compliance page.
Legal and tax advice. We do not give legal or tax advice. For advice about your business, talk to a lawyer or an accountant.
Payroll taxes. Gusto payroll already handles the taxes tied to paying your team. Business Compliance covers what your business owes as a business.
Forming a new business. We register an existing business in a new state. We do not form new businesses.
Sales tax. We do not register you for sales tax or file sales tax returns.
Professional and industry licenses. We do not get or renew licenses for your profession or industry, or handle their reporting.
Reinstatements and reopened accounts. We do not reinstate a business with the Secretary of State or reopen closed payroll tax accounts.
General mail. We monitor payroll and compliance notices from government agencies, not your other mail.
Q: Why does my business need to register in a state?
A: Once you have an employee, a location, or other business in a state, that state's rules apply to you. This includes registration, filings, taxes, and renewals. It's separate from registering to run payroll there.
Q: How is this different from the payroll taxes Gusto already handles?
A: Gusto payroll handles the taxes tied to paying your team. Business Compliance covers what your business owes as a business, like Secretary of State registration, annual reports, and registered agent service.
Q: I'm already registered in my state. Do I still need this?
A: Registering is just the first step. Staying in good standing is ongoing. We keep you there by acting as your registered agent, watching your mail, filing your annual reports, and alerting you before deadlines.
Q: How much does Business Compliance cost?
A: $85 per state, per month, billed monthly. It's included with Premium at no extra cost. State filing fees are charged at cost, and one-time services are billed separately. You'll see the price before you confirm.
Q: I already paid for a one-time registration. What happens if I add Business Compliance?
A: Email your compliance concierge team at [email protected]. They'll review your account and share your options.
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.
For Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and local tax agencies, we surface a separate registration page in Gusto where you can either register on your own or use Middesk’s referral to have Middesk handle it. See the Register for PFML and local taxes section below.
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)
In California, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts, this registration also includes Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). No additional registration is needed.
Not included
Middesk does not register your business for:
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 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.
During registration, you may see an unfamiliar Houston, Texas address (8080 Westpark Dr, with a suite number that can vary) on your state agency account or mail. This is expected. We use it so Middesk can collect your tax account details, and it updates to your business address once registration is complete.
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.
To start your registration from 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.
To start your registration in the Gusto mobile app:
Open the Gusto mobile app and sign in.
In the bottom-right corner, tap More.
Tap Taxes & compliance.
Scroll down to Quick links and tap 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.
Some states also require registration with Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) agencies and local tax agencies. Middesk’s standard order (state income tax withholding and state unemployment) does not include these—we surface them on a separate Registration page in your account.
After you submit your Middesk order, if PFML or local registrations remain in your state, an Order in progress screen appears with a Register for PFML and local taxes button.
A Register for your remaining taxes and share account details in [state] to-do appears on your Gusto Home page while any PFML or local registrations remain outstanding.
You can also open the Registration page directly. Go to Taxes & Compliance → Tax setup and follow the PFML and local tax link for your state.
You’ve already ordered registrations for state unemployment insurance and state income tax. You still need to register for the specific PFML and local agencies your state requires.
You have two options for completing them:
Register on your own through the relevant agency websites. The page links to the state-specific Gusto help center article with step-by-step instructions under Learn how.
Use Middesk’s referral. Middesk completes the registrations for a discounted per-agency rate. The total shown on the page is based on how many agencies you still need to register for. When Middesk finishes each agency, we update your tax details in Gusto automatically.
Click Get started on Middesk using our referral. You are redirected to Middesk’s site to complete the registration and pay Middesk directly. This charge does not appear on your Gusto monthly invoice.
Once Middesk marks a registration complete, we update your tax details in Gusto for you.
The PFML and local registration page is rolling out and is not available in every state yet. PFML and local taxes will automatically be included with your registration in California, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Connecticut. If your state is not supported, follow the state-specific registration article to register on your own.
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: Does this apply to me if I’m in California, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., or Massachusetts?
A: No. Middesk already includes Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) with your state income tax withholding and SUI registration in California, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts. You do not need to use this Registration page for PFML in those states.
Q: I registered in Massachusetts before now. Do I need to do anything about PFML?
A: Middesk recently started including PFML by default in Massachusetts registrations. If you registered before this change, check your Tax setup page to confirm your PFML account details are there. If they are missing, email [email protected].
Q: How much does the Middesk referral cost, and how am I billed?
A: The Registration page shows a total based on a per-agency discounted rate multiplied by the number of agencies you still need to register for. You pay Middesk directly on Middesk’s site. This charge does not appear on your Gusto monthly invoice.
Q: Can I see the status of my PFML and local registration in Gusto?
A: Not for this service. Middesk manages the registration and status on their side. Gusto shows your account numbers as soon as Middesk sends them.
Q: Is the PFML and local Registration page available in my state?
A: It is rolling out and is not available in every state yet. If your state is not supported, follow the state-specific registration article for how to register on your own.
Q: I already registered for PFML and local taxes on my own. What do I do?
A: Enter your tax account numbers on the Tax setup page in Gusto. The Register for your remaining taxes to-do resolves automatically as the missing details are filled in.
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.
Note: We no longer start new orders with CorpNet. We only help with questions about existing or past CorpNet orders.
Gusto may have worked with CorpNet to help you register your business in new states.
What you need to do
Add a new work address in Gusto for a different state, and;
Hire an employee and assign them to that address.
Cost and timeline
Prices vary by state. You can see the cost, process, and how long it takes in step four below.
What the process looks like
You give us some basic business information.
Gusto and CorpNet will check your info.
Your registration is usually submitted within 3–5 business days.
Watch for mail with your tax account numbers and rates from the state. The state usually sends your tax account numbers and rates directly to you.
Heads up: If CorpNet does not enter some information into Gusto, they can show you how to do it yourself.
Third-Party Agent (TPA) authorization reminder
Some state agencies need Gusto to have TPA access to file and pay your taxes. Usually, CorpNet does not set this up, so you’ll have to do it yourself after registration. Work with CorpNet directly to see if they’ve set up TPA for any specific agency.
Check the state registration articles to see if TPA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.
If you're already on the state-specific registration article, scroll to see if there's an “Authorize Gusto” section below.
Prices vary by state. You can see the cost, process, and how long it takes in step four below.
Click the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
Under “[State name] Tax Setup”, click Have us register for you.
The state will only show up if you’ve added a company work address there and assigned an employee to it.
Look at the price, process, and how long it'll take.
We will not charge you until you send in your order.
Click Continue.
Answer a few questions to see if you're eligible.
We can only register for you if you do not already have a state account.
Click Save & continue.
Enter some company information (we'll fill in what we already know).
Click Save & continue.
Tell us who the responsible party is. This is the person in charge of the company’s tax matters and good standing.
If you're a nonprofit and need help, check our FAQs below.
Click Save & continue.
Enter some state-specific operational information.
Click Save and continue.
Review all info carefully. Mistakes can delay things.
Heads up: State and local agencies might add fees or take longer than expected. CorpNet will notify you if that happens.
Check the box to confirm your info is correct and agree to the Terms of Service.
Click Send registration order.
We’ll email you with order updates and add the cost to your next monthly bill.
Some reminders
In most cases, you need to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) to your tax accounts.
Check the state registration articles to see if TPA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.
If you're already on the state-specific registration article, scroll to see if there's an “Authorize Gusto” section below.
CorpNet may be able to help set up TPA for some state agencies. Work with them directly to see if they can help.
Keep an eye on your mail for registration details (tax account numbers and rates).
Some states will send your tax account numbers and rates this way. CorpNet will tell you how you’ll get your tax account information.
When your order is complete, you’ll receive emails from both Gusto and CorpNet. They’ll detail the next steps, which include:
Reviewing registration details
Any other state-specific instructions
Before your order is done, use the link in the state registration email from Gusto to check your order's status.
You can also check the status in your Gusto account:
Click the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
Scroll to the state's section.
Click Check the status of your registration.
If your CorpNet state tax registration order is still in progress, you can cancel from your Gusto account:
Click the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
Scroll to the state's section.
Click Check the status of your registration.
On the right-side of the page, under “Changed your mind?”, click Cancel your order.
Let us know why you're canceling.
Click Cancel your order.
If you were already charged, you'll get a refund in a few business days.
If you canceled your order but would like to re-open it, contact CorpNet directly at (888) 449-2638. Or email them at [email protected].
Q: Can I run payroll before my registration is done?
A: Yes, you can usually run payroll before all state tax info is added in Gusto. You may be asked to enter tax rates and tax deposit frequencies, but can use temporary info.
Important reminders
We cannot submit tax payments or filings until all tax account numbers are added.
If you run payroll before finishing registration, you might get notices about late tax payments or filings. Any penalties are your responsibility.
If you’re only registering for unemployment tax and do not have your rate yet, use the new employer rate for your state in Gusto until you get the correct one. Update the rate once you get it.
Q: Can I use Gusto to register in a new state without a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)? What if my business is merging or being acquired?
A: No, you need a FEIN in Gusto to get registration help for state taxes.
If your business is merging or being acquired, CorpNet cannot help with registration. You'll need to work with a tax advisor and state agencies directly.
Q: Where can I find my tax information?
A: You can find your tax info in several places:
In Gusto: Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup, then scroll to state tax setup.
In CorpNet: Create an account and sign in to see your info.
In your state’s online portal: Find your account details there.
By mail: Some agencies send tax info by mail. If that happens, CorpNet will let you know, and you'll need to enter this info in Gusto.
Gusto’s state tax registration service does not contain tax, legal, financial, or HR advice. Since rules and regulations change over time and can vary by location, consult a lawyer, HR expert, or accountant for specific guidance.
Q: What if I'm not liable for unemployment tax yet?
A: If you want CorpNet to start setting up an unemployment account number before you're liable, you can:
Use today’s date as the first date the employee(s) in the new state will be paid.
Enter the start date of the quarter you expect to meet the liability threshold.
Check the state’s liability info in the Register on your own section (go to the SUI dropdown). If there’s no info, contact the state agency directly.
Q: Can CorpNet help if the responsible party is international without an ITIN or SSN?
A: CorpNet might be able to help. Contact them at [email protected] or 1(888) 449-2638.
Q: Why am I unable to enter 0% ownership for the responsible party or add a commercial owner?
A: Some states have a 1% minimum for the responsible party ownership percentage. These states include ID, KS, MN, OH, SC, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, and RI.
You’ll need to place registration orders directly with CorpNet outside of Gusto or register directly with the agency.
Some states require an individual owner to be listed. If you’re a non-profit or unsure, contact CorpNet for help at [email protected] or 1(888) 449-2638.
Q: Does CorpNet help with giving Gusto third-party access (TPA) for tax payments?
A: In most cases, you need to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) to your tax accounts.
Check the state registration articles to see if TPA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.
If you're already on the state-specific registration article, scroll to see if there's an “Authorize Gusto” section below.
CorpNet may be able to help set up TPA for some state agencies. Work with them directly to see if they can help.
Q: Does CorpNet help close state tax accounts?
A: No, you'll need to close the tax account yourself.