Washington State Employment Security Department Announces Changes to Unemployment Insurance Coverage for Corporate Officers

The law regarding unemployment insurance coverage for corporate officers of for-profit corporations has changed beginning January 1, 2009.

Background

Corporate officers who provide services in the State of Washington will be covered for unemployment insurance unless the employer specifically exempts them, beginning January 1, 2009.  Previously, corporate officers were exempt from unemployment insurance coverage unless coverage was specifically requested.

Frequently asked questions

Who is affected?

You may be affected if you currently make UI contributions in the State of Washington or if you currently have a valid Washington – ES Reference Number; have corporate officers and are a for-profit corporation.

How do I setup unemployment insurance for my corporate officers in QuickPayroll?

If you need to make your corporate officers subject to unemployment insurance who were previously exempt in the State of Washington, see the following steps when you are ready to process the first paychecks to be dated for January 2009.

·         From the Employee List, double click on the subject employee.

·         Click on the Payroll Info tab, click on Taxes, click on the State tab, click in the box for Subject to SUI, and then click OK twice.

·         Repeat these steps for all applicable corporate officers.

Who do I contact for more information on this change? 

Employers can click here to see Frequently Asked Questions regarding these changes on the Washington State Employment Security Department website or click here for a listing of local tax offices.