Delaware Payroll Licensing

Licensing requirements for Delaware employers.

Harbor Compliance provides payroll tax registration services in every state to help your company hire employees and process payroll on time.

In most states, the two payroll taxes are withholding and unemployment insurance (aka unemployment tax and unemployment compensation). Employers must register for the appropriate accounts in order to hire employees, to process payroll, and to file tax returns. Given the virtual, home-based, and temporary nature of employees, registrations often take place on short notice and in multiple states. Foreign qualification and registered agent are prerequisites in most states.

Employer Witholding Tax Licensure

This section applies to employers that are applying for a license in Delaware for the first time to withold taxes from payroll.

Agency:Delaware Department of Finance - Division of Revenue
Form:

Form CRA Combined Registration Application

Instructions:

To file the Delaware Combined Registration Application (CRA), you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Determine if you need to file the CRA: The Combined Registration Application (CRA) must be completed by all persons or companies conducting any business activity in Delaware, or having one or more employees who will work in Delaware or who are residents of Delaware, for whom you are withholding Delaware income tax. 
  2. Obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN): You will need to obtain a federal EIN, which is a unique identification number assigned to your business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  3. Either:
    1. Download and complete the CRA: Once you have the form, you will need to complete it and provide information about your business, such as your business name, address, and type of business. Submit the CRA to the Division of Revenue.
    2. Register online at Delaware One Stop.

It is important to note that the process for filing the Delaware CRA may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your business.

Filing Method:

Form or online

Agency Fee:

Delaware law requires every person, firm, or corporation conducting a business within this state to obtain a license and to pay an additional monthly or quarterly fee based on the aggregate gross receipts derived from the operation of such a business. 

Penalties:

 Failure to obtain a business license will result in a $200 penalty if such failure is not self-disclosed.

Unemployment Tax Licensure

This section applies to employers that are applying for a license in Delaware for the first time for unemployment insurance.

Agency:Delaware Department of Labor - Division of Unemployment Insurance
Form:

Form UC-1: Report to Determine Liability,

Filing Method:

Form