Spring signals the start of a busy hiring season for landscaping, restaurant and other businesses. New employees, even seasonal and temporary workers, count as new hires and need to be reported.

Idaho’s reporting law requires all Idaho employers to report new employees to the Idaho Department of Labor within 20 days of the date of hire. The date of hire is the first day the employee begins working for wages, not before.

Who Counts as An Employee?

Employees are individuals who qualify for federal tax withholdings from wages earned. This includes part-time, seasonal and temporary employees. This does not, however, include independent contractors, who are required to report their own employees.

Learn about the differences between independent contractors and employees here.

How Do I Report?

There are several options for reporting new hires.

Report online:

Online reporting is a quick, safe and secure way to report new hires. Employers wishing to report online should call (800) 627-3880 for a password.

Report by fax:

Employers can fax either a completed W-4 form along with the employee’s start date and the employer’s Idaho unemployment insurance account number or a New Hire Reporting Form to Idaho Department of Labor at (208) 332-7411 or (208) 332-7412.

Report by mail:

Copies of completed W-4 forms or New Hire Reporting Forms can be mailed to the following address. Employers must include the employee’s start date and the employer’s Idaho unemployment insurance account number if filing a W-4.

Idaho Department of Labor
New Hire Reporting
317 W. Main St.
Boise, ID 83735-0610 

File electronically:

Employers reporting more than 50 employees at one time or payroll companies with multiple clients wishing to report electronically should do so in accordance with instructions found here.

Why Report New Hires?

Reporting new hires prevents unemployment insurance fraud. When businesses report their new hires, the Idaho Department of Labor is able to stop people from collecting unemployment insurance while gainfully employed. Not only does new hire reporting reduce fraud, but it also lowers unemployment insurance tax rates for employers.

Have questions? Find answers in our FAQ. Find new hire and contact information, and New Hire Reporting Forms here.