District of Columbia (DC) Payroll Tax and Registration Guide

Updated March 12, 2021 -- For Administrators

Account Number(s) Needed:

Companies who pay employees in Washington DC must register with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) for an Employer Account Number and register with the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) for an Employment Services Number. DC also requires employers to register their payroll provider as authorized third party administrator with the DOES to allow the provider to file and pay DC unemployment taxes.

When entering account numbers into the system, make sure not to enter any dashes. These can cause issues when it comes time for filing.

DC OTR Employer Account Number: 999999999999 (12 digits)

Register online at the OTR's Combined Registration Application to receive the number within 3-5 business days.
Find an existing Employer Account Number online or by contacting the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.

DC DOES Employment Services Number: 999 999 (6 digits)

Register online at the DOES Employer Registration portal to receive the number immediately upon completion of the application.
Find an existing Employer Account Number online at the DOES Employer Self Service portal.

Required Payroll Documentation:

Withholding

FR900Q ( Employer /Payor Withholding Tax Quarterly Return): This return is a good source of information to use to balance DC Income tax withheld from wages, tips, and other compensation for prior quarters.

Unemployment

Form UC-30 ( Employer Quarterly Contribution and Wage Report): This return is a good source of information to use to balance employee wages and employer contribution amounts for prior quarters.

Third Party Access /POA Needed:

Yes

Local Income Taxes Imposed:

State Resources:

Visit state resources for specific tax rates and wage details:

Dept. of Employment Services for unemployment taxes
Office of Tax and Revenue for withholding taxes

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District of Columbia (DC) Payroll Tax and Registration Guide

Account Number(s) Needed:

Required Payroll Documentation:

Withholding

Unemployment

Third Party Access /POA Needed:

Local Income Taxes Imposed:

State Resources:

State Payroll Tax and Registration Guides