Hiring my first employeeSeasonal crewTipped staffGrowing sales team

Hiring your first employee

  1. Get a free federal EIN at irs.gov.
  2. Register with your state for withholding and unemployment tax. In Utah that's the Tax Commission and the Department of Workforce Services.
  3. Get workers comp before day one. It's required from the first employee in Utah.
  4. On day one, collect Form I-9 (verify within 3 business days) and Form W-4.
  5. Report the new hire to your state within 20 days.
  6. Pick a payroll method and put the filing deadlines on your calendar.

Use the true cost calculator to budget before you hire.

Sources: USCIS I-9, Utah hiring guide. Not legal advice.

Updated Nov 2, 2026.