Employer Update

Starting in April, 2012, the EDD will calculate an ex-employee’s unemployment claim differently than it does now. Currently, the EDD calculates the unemployment claim based on a lookback period of one year ending two quarters prior to the termination of employment. In April, 2012, the EDD will calculate the claim based on a lookback period of one year but ending one quarter prior to the termination of employment. This is a good reason to convert to online filing if you haven’t already. For online filers, the EDD will already have this information and the change will be seamless to your business. However, if you do not file online, the EDD may not yet have your wages report for the prior quarter, or may simply not have processed it yet. In that case, you will receive a request for wage verification, and the employee will receive a request for proof of wages claimed. As the employer, you will have 10 days to complete the form and mail it back.

Source: Spidells California Taxletter Vol. 33.11, November 1, 2011, pages 130-131.