California Laws Every Employer Accounters

Registration Form for Employers

If you employ almost anyone (except spouse or children under 18), you are required to file a registration form within 15 days after paying more than $100.00 in wages to one or more employees. No distinction is made between full-time and part-time or permanent and temporary employees in meeting this requirement.

Employment Development Department

Employment Tax Customer Service Office

P.O. Box 2068

Rancho Cordova, CA, 95741

Phone: 888-745-3886

Discrimination Law

Harassment or discrimination in employment is prohibited if it is based on a person's race, ancestry, national origin, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, physical disability (including AIDS), mental disability, marital status, medical condition (cured cancer), and refusal of family care leave. Discrimination in housing, public services, and accommodations is also prohibited.

Agency note:

Employers must post the Harassment or Discrimination in Employment notice (DFEH 162) and provide their employees with a copy of the DFEH's information sheet on sexual harassment (DFEH 185) or a statement that contains equivalent information. Employers must also provide notice of an employee's right to request pregnancy disability leave or transfer, as well as notice to request a family and medical care leave (CFRA). Employers with 5 or more employees must maintain all personnel records for a minimum of 2 years.

Department of Fair Employment and Housing

1055 West 7th Street, Suite 1400

Los Angeles, CA, 90017

Phone: 800-884-1684

Occupational Safety and Health Information

Businesses with employees must prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. The state provides a no-fee consultation service to assist employers with preventing unsafe working conditions and workplace hazards.

Department of Industrial Relations

Occupational Safety Division

Compliance and Permits

2100 E. Katella Ave., Suite 200

Anaheim, CA, 92806

Phone: 714-704-1850

Wage/Hour Laws

Businesses with employees must comply with laws establishing minimum standards for wages, hours, and working conditions.

Department of Industrial Relations

Labor Commissioner's Office

1515 Clay Street, STE 401

Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: 510-285-3502

Fax: 510-286-1366

Workers' Compensation Information

Businesses with employees must maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage on either a self-insured basis, or provided through a commercial carrier, or the State Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund.

Department of Industrial Relations

Division of Workers' Compensation

605 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Bldg. 28, Suite 451

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714-565-5995