State profile
District of Columbia SUI rate 2026 and payroll registration
The 2026 wage base and rates, the protest window and the registrations District of Columbia requires of an employer, each with its source.
Agency: DC Department of Employment Services
Kreto checks unemployment-tax rate notices in this state against the agency's 2026 schedule. Form 941 notices are checked in every state.
The 2026 figures.
Taxable wage base
$9,000
The wages per employee per year that SUI tax applies to.
Source: DC Department of Employment Services
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
SUI rate range
1.6% to 7%
The range for experience-rated employers.
Source: DC Department of Employment Services
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
New employer rate
2.7%
The rate before experience rating applies.
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
Protest window
30 days
From the mailing date.
Source: D.C. Code § 51-103(c)(10)
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
Voluntary contributions
Not available
District of Columbia takes no voluntary contribution.
Paid family and medical leave
Program
DC Paid Family Leave
About District of Columbia SUI rates
District of Columbia employers pay state unemployment insurance (SUI, also called SUTA) on the first $9,000 of each employee's wages each year. New employers start at 2.7% until experience rating applies. Once rated, District of Columbia rates run from 1.6% to 7%. DC Department of Employment Services sets each employer's rate every year from its experience. Rates follow a reserve ratio: what the employer has paid in, less the benefits charged to its account, set against its average taxable payroll. A bigger reserve means a lower rate. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
If your rate notice looks wrong, Kreto checks it against the agency's 2026 schedule and shows the difference in dollars.
Registering as an employer in District of Columbia
Kreto's rules list what District of Columbia requires of an employer, from the first employee. Kreto files each one and tracks it to the state's confirmation.
| Requirement | Agency | Form | How it is submitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment insurance | District of Columbia Department of Labor / Workforce | Online portal | |
| Withholding | District of Columbia Department of Revenue | Online portal | |
| New-hire reporting | District of Columbia New Hire Reporting Center | Online portal | |
| Workers' comp | Not required | District of Columbia needs no registration for it. | |
| Paid family and medical leave | District of Columbia Paid Family & Medical Leave | Online portal |
Forms and agencies as Kreto's rules record them. Check the agency's site before you file on your own. See every state's requirements
Beyond SUI
- Paid family and medical leaveDC Paid Family Leave: employer 0.75%, employee 0%, total 0.75%, no wage cap.Employer-only payroll tax with no wage cap. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
- Voluntary contributionsDistrict of Columbia takes no voluntary contribution.
- Workers' compNCCI rating jurisdiction. Federal OSHA jurisdiction.
- Income taxHas state individual income tax.
Questions about District of Columbia.
What is the District of Columbia SUI wage base for 2026?
$9,000 per employee per year. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
What is the new employer SUI rate in District of Columbia?
2.7% for 2026, until experience rating applies. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
How do I register for unemployment insurance in District of Columbia?
With the District of Columbia Department of Labor / Workforce, on form null (District of Columbia sui registration). Kreto files it once you approve and tracks it to the state's confirmation.
All states Coverage by requirement SUI rate lookup Deadline checker SUI rate guide SUI and unemployment
Got a District of Columbia SUI notice?
Upload it to the free notice scan to see what it is and when it is due. In an account, Kreto checks the rate against the agency's 2026 schedule and drafts the protest for your approval.