Welcome to the Employment Development Department

FAQ - Reporting Independent Contractors (DE542) Online (iICR)

What is the iICR program?

The iICR program allows you to key in and submit your Report of Independent Contractor(s) (DE 542) information online. It uses a step-by-step approach, and allows you to submit up to 30 independent contractors in one submission. You can also get online help and answers to questions for completing your reports and submitting them online.

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Can all service recipients use this program?

Yes, all service recipients can use this program.

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How do I register for this program?

If you are an employer, you can register for our e-Services programs using the following steps:

  • Go to the EDD Home Page
  • Click the Payroll Taxes tab
  • Click on the e-Services link on the right side bar
  • Click on the Report of Independent Contractor(s), DE 542 link
  • Click on the link to register for EDD online services
  • Click on the link to register in the Employer Services section
  • Enter your EDD Employer Account Number, UI rate and zip code in the appropriate fields, then click the Register button
  • Enter your user information in the appropriate fields, then click the Register button

If you are not an employer (non-employer), you can register for our e-Services using the following steps:

  • Go to the EDD Home Page
  • Click the Payroll Taxes tab
  • Click on the e-Services link on the right side bar
  • Click on the Report of Independent Contractor(s), DE 542 link
  • Click on the link to register for EDD online services
  • Click on the link to register in the Non Employer Services section
  • Enter your user information in the appropriate fields, then click the Register button

Note: The User ID and password you create can be used to access other e-Services programs, except for e-Pay.

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Can I save a form and submit it at a later time?

Yes, you may save your form at any time as a draft. To access your draft, go to your iICR Home Page and click on the Edit button next to the draft in the drafts box.

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Can I access reports that were previously submitted?

Yes, you can view and/or print reports that were submitted through this program for up to six quarters. To access your report, go to your iICR Home Page and click on the View or Print button next to the report in the submissions box.

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How do I correct a report that was already submitted?

If you need to correct information already submitted, you can submit the independent contractor information again with the correct data.

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I forgot my User ID. How can I recover it?

If you registered for the employer services, you can recover your User ID by following these steps:

  • Go to the EDD Home Page
  • Click the Payroll Taxes tab
  • Click on the e-Services link on the right side bar
  • Click on the Report of Independent Contractor(s), DE 542 link
  • Under the login box, click on the link to access the User ID recovery page.
  • Enter your EDD Employer Account Number, UI rate, zip code and email address in the appropriate fields, then click the Continue button. If you need to verify your EDD Employer Account Number, UI rate and/or zip code please call the Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-888-745-3886.
  • Your User ID will display on the screen

If you registered as a non-employer, you cannot recover your User ID. You will need to register again with a new User ID and password.

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I forgot my password. How can I recover it?

You cannot recover your password. However, you can view the password hint you established or reset your password by following these steps:

  • Go to the EDD Home Page
  • Click the Payroll Taxes tab
  • Click on the e-Services link on the right side bar
  • Click on the Report of Independent Contractor(s), DE 542 link
  • Under the login box, click on the link to access the password recovery page
  • Enter you User ID, then click the Continue button
  • Your password hint will display on the screen

If this hint helps, you can try to log in again.

If the hint does not help, you can click on the Reset my password link. You will be e-mailed a temporary password that will allow you back into the system. When you log in using the temporary password, the system will tell you that the temporary password has expired and force you to change it to a new password. The old password will be your temporary password. The new password cannot be one that you have already used.

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I received a message that my account has been locked. How can I unlock it?

If your account has been locked, you will need to reset your password to unlock the account. You can reset your password by following these steps:

  • Go to the EDD Home Page
  • Click the Payroll Taxes tab
  • Click on the e-Services link on the right side bar
  • Click on the Report of Independent Contractor(s), DE 542 link
  • Under the login box, click on the link to access the password recovery page
  • Enter you User ID, then click the Continue button
  • Click on the link to reset your password

You will be e-mailed a temporary password that will allow you back into the system. When you log in using the temporary password, the system will tell you that the temporary password has expired and force you to change it to a new password. The old password will be your temporary password. The new password cannot be one that you have already used.

Please remember that to access the e-File programs, you must start at the EDD Home Page and follow the first two steps above.

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What are the browser requirements?

You must use a browser that supports 128-bit encryption. If your browser states that you cannot login, you may need to update your browser.

We test for and support Internet Explorer 7.0 browser. If you do not have this version, it can be downloaded from the following Web site link:

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What time is the system available?

The system is available from 5 a.m. – 12 midnight Pacific Time, 7 days a week.

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Are e-Services programs secure?

The EDD has instituted a network of distributed security to ensure the protection of information throughout our e-Services programs. Any program that may include the exchange of confidential information requires that a user login to a secure site. The self-selected User ID and password and any information you send to EDD through these programs is encrypted. See below for additional information on EDD Systems and Internet Security.

  • The EDD uses state-of-the-art firewall technology. This reduces the risk of attack from outside.
  • A firewall protects the inside of EDD's computer systems by refusing entry to what isn't authorized.
  • The EDD's security team constantly monitors attempts to break into our security systems to make sure that your information is safe and secure. We scan our network regularly for potential vulnerabilities.
  • Your User ID, password, and any information you send EDD are encrypted. Encryption is a process that protects information as it moves from your computer to EDD's computers and back again.
  • Firewalls have been placed between users and EDD servers. They are also between EDD servers and systems where account data is housed.