Employer Registration in Pennsylvania: Cost, Steps & How to File

If you're planning to register as an employer in Pennsylvania, the process is more paperwork than it needs to be — but it's paperwork with a predictable pattern. This guide walks through the Pennsylvania steps in plain English, with real fee amounts and the specific state office to file with.

Steps to register as an employer in Pennsylvania

1. Step 1: Get an EIN from the IRS if you don't already have one (free, online, immediate)
2. Step 2: Register with the state's employment/labor department for unemployment insurance (SUTA) tax
3. Step 3: Register with the state's department of revenue for state income tax withholding
4. Step 4: Register for workers' compensation insurance — required in almost every state, even for 1 employee
5. Step 5: Report new hires within 20 days to the state's new hire directory (federal requirement enforced by the state)
6. Step 6: Set up payroll processing (Gusto, ADP RUN, or manual quarterly 941 filings)

Required documents

• EIN
• First hire date
• Estimated quarterly payroll
• Workers' comp policy

Where to file in Pennsylvania

• Business filings: https://www.corporations.pa.gov
• Secretary of State: https://www.dos.pa.gov
• Tax authority: https://www.revenue.pa.gov
• Labor/workforce: https://www.dli.pa.gov

Related permits in Pennsylvania

Frequently asked questions

This page reflects general Pennsylvania filing rules as of 2026. Fees and processing times change; verify the current amounts with the linked state agency before filing.