Overview: When starting a business with employees in Iowa, you must register for State Income Withholding Tax through the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) and State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Tax through Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). These registrations ensure compliance with state payroll and unemployment obligations.
Important! This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. You can consult a CPA or attorney for official guidance.
Taxes You Must Register For:
Iowa Withholding Tax
Tax Agency: Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR)
Registration Steps
Option 1: Register Online
Complete the electronic application for a Withholding Tax Permit
Submit the form online and await confirmation
Option 2: Register by Mail
Fill out the paper form and mail to the address provided in the instructions
Account Formats
Withholding Tax Permit Number: Format varies but typically numeric
BEN (Business eFile Number): 8-digit number assigned after registration
Update your Buddy Punch account with both your Iowa Withholding Tax Permit Number and your Business eFile Number (BEN).
Iowa Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Tax
Tax Agency: Iowa Workforce Development (IWD)
Registration Steps
Select “Sign Up” and create an employer account
Complete all required fields in the registration form
Submit the application online
A SUI Tax Account Number will be issued upon approval.
Account Format
SUI Account Number: Typically numeric, assigned after registration
EFT Credit ID: A 17-digit number used for electronic payments
After receiving your SUI ID, register for an EFT Credit ID and provide this number to Buddy Punch.
Granting Third-Party Access to Check
Option 1: Assign Agent Role via myIowaUI
Log into your myIowaUI account: https://www.myiowaui.org/UITIPTaxWeb/uilogin.do
On the homepage, click “Assign Agent” from the left-hand menu
Select the role(s) (e.g., Filing, Payments) for Check Technologies
Option 2: Submit a Power of Attorney
Download and complete Form 68-0092 – Declaration of Power of Attorney (PDF)
Sign and return the form as instructed
Need Help?
Withholding (IDR): https://tax.iowa.gov/
Customer Support: 1-800-367-3388
Unemployment (IWD): https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/
IWD Employer Help Line: 1-888-848-7442
myIowaUI Support: Available through portal login