Tag Archives: new hires

FAQ Friday – How Can Employers Manage Unemployment Insurance Online?

Q: What online services are available for employers to manage unemployment insurance?

A: Employers can respond to benefit claim requests, report and pay their unemployment insurance taxes and report new hires online, anytime.

Screen Shot 2014-02-18 at 10.44.31 AMQ: How can I respond to claim requests electronically?

A: When former employees file claims for unemployment insurance employers can be notified electronically so they can provide a time-sensitive initial response. Two options are available depending on the size and type of your business.

E-Response is an online exchange system for small business with fewer than 100 employees. Employers receive email notices for any employee-reported separations and benefit claims filed against their business. Each notice includes a website address and personal identification number (PIN) for responding electronically. An online manual is available to guide you through the E-Response enrollment process.

SIDES Data Exchange is an online data exchange system for large businesses with more than 100 employees, state agencies and third party payroll administrators. Report separation information, verify earnings and review potential fees. Save money with faster and more accurate determinations, fewer improper payments and by sharing data between states. Visit the SIDES website for more information or watch a video about using SIDES.

To determine which of the two services would be best for your business, view or download the SIDES and SIDES E-Response Comparison Table.

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FAQ Friday – New hires: Who counts as an employee?

Idaho’s hire reporting law requires all Idaho employers to report their new employees to the Idaho Department of Labor within 20 days of the date of hire. Make reporting part of your hiring routine – reporting new hires reduces fraud and lowers unemployment insurance tax rates.

Who counts as an employee?

An employee is an individual who qualifies for Federal Income Tax withholding from wages.

So do I have to report independent contractors to the Department of Labor?

If the work performed is based on a contract rather than an employer/employee relationship, you do not have to submit a New Hire report. In such cases, the contractor is responsible for reporting his or her new employees.

What is considered the “date of hire?”

The date of hire is defined as the first day the employee works for wages. Do not report a new hire if the employee has not yet started working for you.