Unemployment tax rates FAQ
Q. How are employers' unemployment-insurance tax rates calculated?
A. Unemployment taxes in Washington are calculated using a formula that is written into state law. We do not have independent authority to adjust the rates.
There are two components of the state unemployment tax. The first component of the tax rate is the experience-based tax, which is based on
The second part of the tax rate is called the social cost tax. It covers unemployment costs that cannot be recovered from specific businesses - so they are shared by all employers (e.g., benefits paid to workers whose company went out of business). During economic recessions, when benefits paid far exceed taxes collected, the social-cost tax also acts like a brake to slow the decline of the unemployment trust fund so employers aren't hit by sharper, more sudden tax increases in the future.
Q. How is the taxable wage base determined?
A. The taxable wage base is determined by the state's average annual wage two years earlier. We're updating this information to account for recent legislative changes. For the most current information, visit our annual tax rates page.
Q. What are the highest, lowest and average tax rates in Washington?
A. Taxable employers in the highest rate class pay 5.7 percent (not counting delinquency or Employment Administration Fund taxes). Employers who are delinquent in paying their taxes may have to pay an additional 2 percent delinquency tax. We're updating this information to account for recent legislative changes. For the most current information, visit our annual tax rates page.
Q. What is my Employment Security Number (ES Number)?
A. It is the account number you use to file your quarterly unemployment taxes (box 6 on the 5208-A form). It also is printed on the top right corner of your annual tax-rate notice and the statement of benefit charges we send you.
The current format of the number is
If the number begins with 600, 601 or 602 and is formatted like this: 60X 456 789, it is the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, not the ES reference number.
If you cannot locate your ES reference number, please call a tax center.
Q. When are unemployment taxes due?
A. Taxes are due by the last day of the month following the last day of each calendar quarter
Quarter One (Q1) |
January Q4 taxes due 1/31 |
February |
March Q1 ends 3/31 |
Quarter Two (Q2) |
April Q1 taxes due 4/30 |
May |
June Q2 ends 6/30 |
Quarter Three (Q3) |
July Q2 taxes due 7/31 |
August |
September Q3 ends 9/30 |
Quarter Four (Q4) |
October Q3 taxes due 10/31 |
November |
December Q4 ends 12/31 |
Q. How can an employer file unemployment tax reports with Employment Security?
A. Employers can file quarterly tax reports electronically (preferred) or on paper forms. To file electronically, use (EAMS), a one-stop menu of Internet tools for filing, paying and managing unemployment tax accounts.
Q. Can I submit a copy of a tax report?
A. No. We do not accept photocopies because our scanning equipment cannot read the forms and the data must be hand-keyed. You can request more forms by email.
Q. How do I correct a tax report that has already been filed?
A. Use the amended tax report form to make changes. These must be hand-keyed, so copies of the forms are acceptable.
Q. What if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday?
A. Your payment may be postmarked the following business day. See WAC 192-310-010 (a state regulation) for more information.
Q. What if I have problems with penalties, interest or other charges?
A. Please contact a tax center. Most questions can be resolved through a discussion with one of our tax representatives.
If you do not agree with the results, you may request that
Q. Does Employment Security provide one-on-one assistance with its tax reports?
A. Employers who file reports electronically can get help by calling 800-565-4660 or by email.
Q. My business moved. How do I update my address?
A. Email us your new address– be sure to include your business name, your name, title, phone number and ES reference number – or use the business change form. Please let us know if your phone number also changed.
Please note our current FAX # 1-800-794-7657.
Q. Why is my business being audited?
A. We conduct numerous audits on Washington employers annually. Audits include a review of payroll, financial and business records. The goal is to ensure that employers report hours and wages correctly and pay the appropriate amount in unemployment taxes.
We focus the majority of our audits on employers in industries that are more likely to misreport information or file incorrectly. However, we audit based on information from other government agencies, improper reporting identified when former workers apply for unemployment benefits, tips
Q. Why do you need to review my check register, general ledger, profit and loss statement, etc. during an audit?
A. These financial documents are considered accounting records and help us verify reported wages.
We joined three other state agencies in creating a new video, “How to Prepare for an Audit: A Guide for Small Businesses.” Our segment focuses on unemployment-insurance tax audits. The video answers basic questions such as: "What should I expect when an audit occurs?" and "How should I maintain my records for unemployment insurance?"
Q. What has the average tax rate in recent years been?
A. We're updating this information to account for recent legislative changes. For the most current information, visit our annual tax rates page.
Q. What if I'm a new employer?
A. If you are a new employer or haven't been in business long enough, you won't have enough "experience" to get your own tax rate. Instead, you will be assigned a rate based on your industry.