What the EDD Withholding Allowance Certificate Does

The EDD Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form DE 9) tells California's Employment Development Department how much state income tax to hold from your unemployment benefits. When you receive unemployment insurance payments, the state can withhold taxes automatically, or you can choose to receive the full amount and pay taxes later. This form is how you tell EDD which option you want and how many allowances you claim.

You fill this out once, and it stays in effect until you change it or your claim ends. If you do not submit a form, EDD withholds taxes at a flat rate. Submitting this certificate gives you control over how much comes out of each check.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DE 9 lets you choose whether EDD withholds state income tax from your benefits or pays you the full amount.
  • The number of allowances you claim affects how much tax is withheld—more allowances mean less tax taken out.
  • You can submit the form online through your EDD account, by mail, or by fax.
  • Changes to your withholding take effect on the next payment after EDD processes your form, usually within one to two weeks.
  • You can update your withholding at any time if your tax situation changes.

Where to Find Form DE 9

Form DE 9 is available on the EDD website at edd.ca.gov. Search for "Form DE 9" or "Withholding Allowance Certificate" in the forms section. You can read and print the PDF, or fill it out electronically on your computer before printing.

You can also request a paper copy by calling the EDD at 1-888-209-8124. If you have an active unemployment claim, you may see a link to this form in your online account under "Documents" or "Forms."

How to Fill Out Each Line

Line 1: Your Name and Social Security Number. Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card and your nine-digit SSN. This must match the name and number on your EDD claim.

Line 2: Your Mailing Address. Enter the address where EDD sends your mail. Include your street address, city, state, and ZIP code. If your address has changed since you filed your claim, update it here.

Line 3: Withholding Election. Check one box: either "Withhold" or "Do Not Withhold." If you check "Withhold," EDD removes state income tax from each payment. If you check "Do Not Withhold," you receive the full benefit amount and pay taxes when you file your return. Most people choose to withhold to avoid a large tax bill later.

Line 4: Number of Allowances. Enter the number of withholding allowances you claim. This number determines how much tax is withheld. The more allowances you claim, the less tax comes out. If you are unsure, use the same number you claimed on your most recent tax return, or use one allowance as a safe default. You can always change this later.

Line 5: Additional Withholding. This line is optional. If you want EDD to withhold extra money beyond the standard calculation, enter a dollar amount here. Most people leave this blank.

Line 6: Your Signature and Date. Sign and date the form. EDD will not process an unsigned form.

How to Submit Your Form

You have three ways to send Form DE 9 to EDD. The fastest is online submission through your EDD account. Log in at edd.ca.gov, find the option to upload documents or update your withholding, and follow the prompts. This usually takes effect within one to two weeks.

You can also mail the form to the EDD office that handles your claim. The address appears on your claim paperwork or on the EDD website. Mail takes longer—allow three to four weeks for processing. If you need it processed faster, fax the form to the EDD fax number listed on the form itself, usually 916-654-9030, though this varies by region. Check the form or call EDD to confirm the correct fax number for your area.

Understanding Withholding Allowances

A withholding allowance is a number that reduces the amount of tax EDD calculates. Each allowance you claim lowers your withholding. If you claim zero allowances, the maximum tax is withheld. If you claim five allowances, much less is withheld.

The right number depends on your total income for the year, whether you have dependents, and your filing status. If you are single with no dependents and unemployment is your only income, one or two allowances is typical. If you have a spouse, dependents, or other income, you may claim more. If you want to be safe and avoid owing taxes at the end of the year, claim fewer allowances or choose to withhold extra.

You can change your allowances whenever your situation changes—if you get a job, lose a dependent, or marry. straightforward submit a new Form DE 9 with the updated number.

What Happens After You Submit

Once EDD receives your form, they process it and update your account. You will see a confirmation in your online account or receive a notice in the mail. The new withholding takes effect on your next payment, usually within one to two weeks of processing.

If you submitted the form online, check your account a few days later to see if it was accepted. If you mailed or faxed it, call EDD after two weeks to confirm they received it. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not leave your name or Social Security number blank—EDD cannot match the form to your claim without this information. Do not forget to sign and date the form; unsigned forms are rejected. Do not assume your old withholding choice carries over if you reopen a claim; you may need to submit a new form.

Do not claim an unreasonably high number of allowances just to take home more money each week. You will owe taxes at the end of the year, and the bill can be large. If you are unsure whether to withhold, choose "Withhold" and claim one allowance—this is the safest option for most people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my withholding after I submit the form?

Yes. You can submit a new Form DE 9 at any time with different choices. The new withholding takes effect on your next payment after EDD processes the updated form. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.

What if I do not submit a form at all?

EDD withholds state income tax at a flat rate, usually around 10 percent. Submitting Form DE 9 lets you control the amount. If you want to withhold less or nothing at all, you must submit the form.

Do I need to withhold federal income tax too?

Form DE 9 covers California state tax only. Federal withholding is handled separately. You can request federal withholding through your EDD online account or by submitting Form W-4V. Both forms work independently.

What if I claim too many allowances and owe taxes?

You are responsible for paying any taxes owed when you file your return. If you realize mid-year that you claimed too many allowances, submit a new Form DE 9 with fewer allowances to increase withholding for the rest of the year. This reduces what you will owe later.

How do I know if my form was received?

Log into your EDD account and check your documents or claim details. You should see confirmation that the form was received. If you do not see it after two weeks, call EDD at 1-888-209-8124 to confirm they have it on file.