State profile
Washington SUI rate 2026 and payroll registration
The 2026 wage base and rates, the protest window and the registrations Washington requires of an employer, each with its source.
Agency: Washington State Employment Security Department
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
$78,200
The wages per employee per year that SUI tax applies to.
Source: Washington State Employment Security Department
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
SUI rate range
0.27% to 6.03%
The range for experience-rated employers.
Source: Washington State Employment Security Department
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
New employer rate
1.9%
The rate before experience rating applies.
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
Protest window
30 days
From the mailing date.
Source: RCW 50.29.070(2)
Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
Voluntary contributions
Allowed
An employer may pay into its SUI account to move to a lower rate.
Paid family and medical leave
Program
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave
About Washington SUI rates
Washington employers pay state unemployment insurance (SUI, also called SUTA) on the first $78,200 of each employee's wages each year. New employers start at 1.9% until experience rating applies. Once rated, Washington rates run from 0.27% to 6.03%. Washington State Employment Security Department sets each employer's rate every year from its experience. 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 Washington
Kreto's rules list what Washington 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 | Washington Employment Security Department | Online portal | |
| Withholding | Not required | No state income tax. | |
| New-hire reporting | Washington New Hire Reporting | DSHS 18-463, New Hire Report | Online portal |
| Workers' comp | Washington Department of Labor and Industries (state fund, monopolistic) | Online portal | |
| Paid family and medical leave | Washington Paid Family and 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 leaveWashington Paid Family and Medical Leave: employer 0.32%, employee 0.81%, total 1.13%, wage cap $184,500.Total 1.13% split 28.57% employer / 71.43% employee for employers with 50+ employees; smaller employers pay no employer share. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
- Voluntary contributions Washington lets employers make a voluntary contribution to their SUI account, which can lower next year's rate. Timing and deadlines vary; check with Washington State Employment Security Department.
- Workers' compMonopolistic state: coverage is bought from the state fund. OSHA State Plan jurisdiction (own program).
- Income taxNo state individual income tax.
Questions about Washington.
What is the Washington SUI wage base for 2026?
$78,200 per employee per year. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
What is the new employer SUI rate in Washington?
1.9% for 2026, until experience rating applies. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.
How do I register for unemployment insurance in Washington?
With the Washington Employment Security Department, on form null (Employer 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 Washington 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.