Does your company currently complete Washington State SUI quarterly wage reporting? If you answered "Yes!", then you need to know that, beginning with the Q4 reporting for 2022, employers will be required to include the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for all employees reported on. The Washington State Legislature passed HB 2308 in 2019, which requires this information. Employers that do not include this information in reporting will be subject to the incomplete report penalty.
This additional reporting can be done on a voluntary basis if you would like to try it out early and are using a newer version of EAMS (Employer Account Management Services) to complete the filing. Employers can use the new SOC code lookup tool in EAMS to find the most accurate code for employees. If you would like to try out the SOC code search tool, it is currently available. EAMS will remember the SOC codes entered in the last quarter.
For additional information regarding this new reporting requirement please visit the Employment Security Department (ESD) website. The ESD is also offering webinars in the next two months to provide an overview, answer frequently asked questions, and address questions attendees may have. Questions like, “How do I decide which SOC code to use for an employee who performs multiple job functions or has multiple duties” will be answered. (SPOILER ALERT – the answer to this question is that the job that requires the highest level of skill or education to do the job is used. If all jobs require the same level of skill or education, use the job that the employee spends the most time doing for reporting.) If an employee changes jobs during the quarter the last job performed is reported. To register for these informative webinars, please use the links below:
- Friday, August 26th, 11:00am – 11:45am - REGISTER
- Friday, September 16th, 11:00am – 11:45am - REGISTER
Sage 100 Clients
For customers utilizing Sage 100 payroll, you will need to be on PR 2.22.3 (being released in September) to populate the Aatrix form if you are utilizing Aatrix to file quarterly reports. The fields for populating the SOC code are already in the Tax Tab in Employee Maintenance for customers with Payroll 2.22.0.0, so you are encouraged to begin populating those fields now. Aatrix will likely update the form by December.
People Savvy HCM Clients
For clients using People Savvy HCM and Asure PTM, there is an update coming in October to add the required reporting field to the Employee Profile in the Tax Widget in People Savvy HCM. Asure PTM is continuing to refine the filing process for this information within their systems, and updates will be provided.
If you are using another payroll provider, you are encouraged to consult with them to make sure they have a plan for this additional reporting requirement. If Bennett/Porter can be of assistance, please contact us today.