California employers are responsible for withholding payroll taxes, filing returns, and paying state and federal payroll taxes. The laws governing payroll taxes are complex, and as your small business grows, the onerousness of compliance with these tax rules will intensify.

What Are Payroll Taxes?

California has four state payroll taxes. Two are paid by the employer: Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Employment Training Tax (ETT). Two are withheld from workers’ wages: State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Personal Income Tax (PIT). Payroll taxes are administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD).

In addition, employers must handle federal payroll taxes. A small business will be required to pay federal taxes for Medicare, Social Security, and unemployment (FUTA). Also, an employer withholds federal personal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security from workers’ wages.

In today’s economy, millions of people across the United States act as freelance workers, either as a primary job or as a way to supplement income. The digital tools available to companies and workers in the gig economy allow many people to earn an income by transporting passengers, renting property to travelers, or performing a variety of other tasks. 

While many people and companies have benefited from the sharing economy, the increased prevalence of this type of labor has raised a variety of legal issues as employees seek to receive fair compensation and government entities ensure that taxes are applied correctly.

A recent ruling by the California Supreme Court will have a significant impact on gig economy workers and employers, affecting issues such as employee classification and taxes.