Setting up payroll for your first employee involves several steps, and getting them right from the start saves you headaches later.

First, make sure you have an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. If you’ve been operating as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number, you’ll need an EIN now that you’re hiring. The application takes about five minutes online at irs.gov and you’ll receive your number immediately.

Next, register with the Idaho State Tax Commission as an employer. You’ll set up a withholding account to remit Idaho state income tax withheld from your employee’s wages. This is separate from any sales tax registration you might have. You’ll also need to register with the Idaho Department of Labor for unemployment insurance. Idaho requires employers to pay state unemployment tax, and you’ll receive an employer account number for quarterly reporting.

Before your employee starts, collect the required paperwork. At minimum you need a federal W-4 for income tax withholding, an I-9 to verify employment eligibility, and Idaho’s state withholding certificate. Keep these documents organized because you’ll reference them when configuring payroll and you’ll need them if you’re ever audited.

Decide how you’ll actually run payroll. Options include software like Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll, a dedicated payroll service, or outsourcing to your accountant. Manual calculation is technically possible but error-prone and not worth the risk. The penalties for payroll tax mistakes add up quickly, and the IRS takes these obligations seriously.

Set up withholding correctly in whatever system you choose. Enter the information from your employee’s W-4, configure the pay rate and frequency, and verify the system is calculating federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Idaho state withholding. Double-check the math on your first payroll before you cut the check.

Establish a regular pay schedule and stick to it. Idaho law requires employees to be paid at least monthly, but most employers pay biweekly or semi-monthly. Whatever you choose, consistency matters for compliance and for your employee’s budgeting.

Plan for ongoing compliance from day one. Payroll tax deposits are due on a schedule determined by your deposit amount. Smaller employers typically deposit monthly while larger ones deposit more frequently. Quarterly forms are due at the end of the month following each quarter, and annual forms including W-2s are due in January.

If this feels like a lot to manage on top of running your business, you’re not alone. Many business owners in the Treasure Valley bring in help for payroll precisely because the compliance requirements are detailed and ongoing. Small business tax preparation and payroll often go hand in hand, and getting both right from the start is worth the investment.