Growing a Practice

The State-by-State Hiring Guide for Therapy Practices

Headshot of Bryce Warnes
July 29, 2024
July 29, 2024
Bryce Warnes
Content Writer

When it comes to hiring employees for your therapy practice, there’s no one-size-fits all approach. Federal labor laws apply to every business in the USA. Beyond that, though, you need to follow the rules for hiring employees set by your state.

This guide gives you a five step walkthrough for hiring employees in each state. You can use the table below to jump to your state. But before you do, take two minutes to review the steps involved.

The State-by-State Hiring Guide for Therapy Practices
Alabama Indiana Nebraska South Carolina
Alaska Iowa Nevada South Dakota*
Arizona Kansas New Hampshire Tennessee
Arkansas Kentucky New Jersey Texas
California Louisiana New Mexico Utah
Colorado Maine New York Vermont
Connecticut Maryland North Carolina Virginia
Delaware Massachusetts North Dakota Washington
Florida Michigan Ohio Washington, D.C.
Georgia Minnesota Oklahoma West Virginia
Hawaii Mississippi Oregon Wisconsin
Idaho Missouri Pennsylvania Wyoming
Illinois Montana Rhode Island

State-by-state hiring laws for therapy practices (in 5 steps)

Each state has slightly different rules for how you hire employees. But for all of them, you follow these five steps.

Determine whether they’re a contractor or an employee

Contractors are typically hired on a short-term basis to complete a set amount or period of work for your practice. Employees work for you indefinitely.

How you treat contractors versus employees for accounting and tax purposes differs. Most importantly, as an employer, it’s up to you to withhold income tax and social security contributions from employees’ paychecks. You don’t need to do so when you pay contractors.

There are two sets of rules for determining whether a worker is a contractor or an employee: The Common Law Test and the ABC Test. 

Each state uses either the Common Law Test or the ABC Test to determine whether a worker is a contractor or an employee. 

The Common Law Test

Used by the IRS, New York, the District of Columbia, and 17 states, the Common Law test presumes a worker is a contractor unless these three criteria apply:

  • Behavioral control: You set limits on how and when the worker completes their tasks. Set work hours, codes of conduct, and direct supervision are forms of behavioral control.
  • Financial control: Contractors typically cover their own expenses. Employers typically cover employees’ expenses. Also, a contractor makes their services widely available on the market, while an employee works only for their employer.
  • Relationship: Contracts defining ongoing roles and duties, and worker benefits like sick days and vacation are marks of an employer-employee relationship. Also, an employee typically does work that falls within normal business operations. Example: If your therapy practice hires a painter to paint the office, they’re likely a contractor. If it hires a therapist to treat clients, they’re more likely an employee.

The ABC Test

The US Department of Labor and 33 states use the ABC Test, which presumes a worker is an employee unless these three criteria apply:

  • Absence of control: The worker is free from direct oversight and decides how and when they work. There may be some control even when a worker is a contractor—work hours that must fall within your practice’s operating hours, for instance.
  • Business of the worker: The worker performs tasks that are “unusual” for your business. The painter vs. therapist example applies here.
  • Customary engagement: The worker is available to be hired by other clients. If they’re technically available to other clients, but mostly rely on you for their income, the Department of Labor leans towards classifying these workers as employees.

Make sure you’re registered as an employer

Each state requires you to register as an employer. To do so, you should already have a federal employer identification number (EIN) for your therapy practice.

When you register as an employer, you’re registering to withhold and remit income tax to the state (from the employee’s paycheck) and to pay state unemployment tax (SUTA). 

In some states, income tax and SUTA are two separate registrations you must complete; in others, they’re combined into a single registration. In states that don’t collect employees’ income tax, you don’t need to register for income tax withholding—but you still need to register for SUTA.

Make sure your new employee submits a Form W-4

Your new employee must use a federal Form W-4 to calculate federal income tax withholdings from their wages. They use a state W-4 to do the same thing, but at the state level. Some states even allow you to submit the IRS Form W-4 as a state tax form.

It’s up to the employee to complete and submit this form. You’re not allowed to help them complete it. They must submit the form before you pay them their first paycheck.

Report the new hire

Every state requires you to report new hires.

You’re typically required to report new employees within a particular time frame after they’ve been hired—for instance, within 20 days of hiring them.

The purpose of reporting new employees is to give the state information about their income in case the state needs to collect child support payments.

In some states—not all—you’re required to report both employees and contractors when to hire them. 

Register for workers’ compensation

Each state has its own laws in terms of which workers qualify for workers’ compensation insurance. It’s up to you to determine whether your new hire qualifies. If they do, you can typically register them through your state’s worker’s compensation department.  

Each section below includes links to workers’ compensation registration for the relevant state.

How to Hire Employees for Your Therapy Practice in Every State

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Alabama

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Alabama. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Alabama

Alabama uses the Common Law test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Alabama employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Alabama, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Alabama W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Alabama, they're required to submit a state W-4 form:

Alabama new hire reporting for therapy practices

Alabama new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires within 7 days of hiring.

Alabama does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Alabama workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if your business has fewer than five employees. They are also exempt if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Alaska

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Alaska. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Alaska

Alaska uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Alaska employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Alaska, you must register for state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments. Alaska does not collect income tax.

  • To register to pay SUTA in Alaska, create an account with myAlaska

Alaska W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Alaska, you are not required to submit a state W-4 form, because Alaska does not collect income tax.

Alaska new hire reporting for therapy practices

Alaska new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the Child Support Enforcement Division within 20 days of hiring.

Alaska does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Alaska workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most employees in Alaska must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Arizona

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Arizona. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Arizona

Arizona uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Arizona employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Arizona, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Arizona W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Arizona, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Arizona new hire reporting for therapy practices

Arizona new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires within 20 days of hiring.

Arizona does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Arizona workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Arkansas

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Arkansas. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Arkansas

Arkansas uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Arkansas employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Arkansas, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Arkansas W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Arkansas, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Arkansas new hire reporting for therapy practices

Arkansas new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state Attorney General within 20 days of hiring.

Arkansas does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Arkansas workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in California

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in California. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in California

California uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

California employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in California, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

California W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in California, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

California new hire reporting for therapy practices

California new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state Attorney General within 20 days of hiring.

California requires you to report contractors as new hires if you pay them more than $600 over the course of one year, or if you sign a contract for more than $600 worth of labor to be completed within one year.

California workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in California must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Colorado

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Colorado. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Colorado

Colorado uses criteria A and C of the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Colorado employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Colorado, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Colorado W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Colorado, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Colorado new hire reporting for therapy practices

Colorado new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state Attorney General within 20 days of hiring.

Colorado requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Colorado workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Colorado must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Connecticut

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Connecticut. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Connecticut

Connecticut uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Connecticut employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Connecticut, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Connecticut W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Connecticut, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Connecticut new hire reporting for therapy practices

Connecticut new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires within 20 days of hiring.

Connecticut requires you to report contractors as new hires if you expect to pay them in excess of $5,000 over the course of the year.

Connecticut workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Delaware

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Delaware. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Delaware

Delaware uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Delaware employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Delaware, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Delaware W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Delaware, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Delaware new hire reporting for therapy practices

Delaware new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires within 20 days of hiring.

Delaware gives you the option of reporting contractors as new hires if you so choose.

Delaware workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Florida

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Florida. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Florida

Florida uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Florida employer registration for therapy practices

Since Florida does not collect income tax, you only need to register to collect state unemployment tax (SUTA) before hiring employees.

Florida W-4 form for therapists

Because the State does not collect income tax, there is no W-4 form for Florida.

Florida new hire reporting for therapy practices

Florida new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state Attorney General within 20 days of hiring.

Florida requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Florida workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Georgia

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Georgia. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Georgia

Georgia uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Georgia employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Georgia, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Georgia W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Georgia, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Georgia new hire reporting for therapy practices

Georgia new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 10 days of hiring.

Georgia does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Georgia workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Georgia must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Hawaii

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Hawaii. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Hawaii

Hawaii uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Hawaii employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Hawaii, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Hawaii W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Hawaii, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Hawaii new hire reporting for therapy practices

Hawaii new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Hawaii does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Hawaii workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Hawaii must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Idaho

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Idaho. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Idaho

Idaho uses criteria A and C of the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Idaho employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Idaho, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Idaho W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Idaho, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Idaho new hire reporting for therapy practices

Idaho new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Idaho does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Idaho workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Illinois

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Illinois. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Illinois

Illinois uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Illinois employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Illinois, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Illinois W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Illinois, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Illinois new hire reporting for therapy practices

Illinois new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Starting January 1, 2024, Illinois requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Illinois workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Indiana

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Indiana. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Indiana

Indiana uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Indiana employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Indiana, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Indiana W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Indiana, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Indiana new hire reporting for therapy practices

Indiana new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Indiana does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Indiana workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual laborers.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Iowa

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Iowa. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Iowa

Indiana uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Iowa employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Iowa, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

  • To register to withhold and remit state income tax, visit GovConnectIowa
  • To register to pay SUTA, visit MyIowaUI 

Iowa W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Iowa, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Iowa new hire reporting for therapy practices

Iowa new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 14 days of hiring.

Iowa requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Iowa workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Iowa must be registered for workers’ compensation

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Kansas

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Kansas. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Kansas

Kansas uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Kansas employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Kansas, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Kansas W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Kansas, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Kansas new hire reporting for therapy practices

Kansas new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Kansas does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Kansas workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

All new hires in Kansas must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Kentucky

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Kentucky. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Kentucky

Kentucky uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Kentucky employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Kentucky, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Kentucky W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Kentucky, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Kentucky new hire reporting for therapy practices

Kentucky new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Kentucky does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Kentucky workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Louisiana

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Louisiana. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Louisiana

Louisiana uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Louisiana employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Louisiana, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Louisiana W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Louisiana, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Louisiana new hire reporting for therapy practices

Louisiana new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Louisiana does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Louisiana workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Maine

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Maine. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Maine

Maine uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Maine employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Maine, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Maine W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Maine, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

Maine new hire reporting for therapy practices

Maine new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Maine does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Maine workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Maine must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Maryland

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Maryland. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Maryland

Maryland uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Maryland employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Maryland, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Maryland W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Maryland, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Maryland new hire reporting for therapy practices

Maryland new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Maryland does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Maryland workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Maryland must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Massachusetts

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Massachusetts. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Massachusetts

Massachusetts uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Massachusetts employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Massachusetts, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Massachusetts W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Massachusetts, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Massachusetts new hire reporting for therapy practices

Massachusetts new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 14 days of hiring.

Massachusetts requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Massachusetts workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Michigan

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Michigan. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Michigan

Michigan uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Michigan employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Michigan, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Michigan W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Michigan, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Michigan new hire reporting for therapy practices

Michigan new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Michigan does not require you to report contractors as new hires, although it is possible to do so (and encouraged).

Michigan workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Some exceptions apply whereby smaller employers do not need to register their employees for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Minnesota

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Minnesota. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Minnesota

Minnesota uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Minnesota employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Minnesota, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Minnesota W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Minnesota, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Minnesota new hire reporting for therapy practices

Minnesota new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Minnesota does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Minnesota workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Minnesota must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Mississippi

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Mississippi. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Mississippi

Mississippi uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Mississippi employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Mississippi, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Mississippi W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Mississippi, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Mississippi new hire reporting for therapy practices

Mississippi new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 15 days of hiring.

Mississippi does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Mississippi workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Mississippi must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Missouri

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Missouri. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Missouri

Missouri uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Missouri employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Missouri, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Missouri W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Missouri, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Missouri new hire reporting for therapy practices

Missouri new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Missouri does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Missouri workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Missouri must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Montana

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Montana. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Montana

Montana uses criteria A and C of the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Montana employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Montana, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Montana W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Montana, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Montana new hire reporting for therapy practices

Montana new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Montana does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Montana workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Nebraska

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Nebraska. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Nebraska

Nebraska uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Nebraska employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Nebraska, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Nebraska W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Nebraska, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Nebraska new hire reporting for therapy practices

Nebraska new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Nebraska requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Nebraska workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Nebraska must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Nevada

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Nevada. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Nevada

Nevada uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Nevada employer registration for therapy practices

Since Nevada doesn’t collect income tax, there’s no need to register for income tax withholding.

Nevada W-4 form for therapists

Since Nevada does not collect income tax, there is no need for employees to fill out and submit a state W-4.

Nevada new hire reporting for therapy practices

Nevada new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Nevada does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Nevada workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in New Hampshire

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in New Hampshire. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in New Hampshire

New Hampshire uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

New Hampshire employer registration for therapy practices

New Hampshire does not collect income tax. There is no need to register to withhold income tax from employees’ pay.

New Hampshire W-4 form for therapists

Since New Hampshire does not collect income tax, there is no need for new employees to file state W-4 forms.

New Hampshire new hire reporting for therapy practices

New Hampshire new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

New Hampshire may require you to report as a new hire a contractor you pay more than $2,500 over the course of the year. Check with NHES for more details.

New Hampshire workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in New Hampshire must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in New Jersey

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in New Jersey. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in New Jersey

New Jersey uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

New Jersey employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in New Jersey, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

New Jersey W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in New Jersey, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

New Jersey new hire reporting for therapy practices

New Jersey new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

New Jersey requires you to report contractors as new hires.

New Jersey workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in New Mexico

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in New Mexico. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in New Mexico

New Mexico uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

New Mexico employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in New Mexico, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

New Mexico W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in New Mexico, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

New Mexico new hire reporting for therapy practices

New Mexico new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

New Mexico does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

New Mexico workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in New Mexico must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in New York

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in New York. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in New York

New York uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

New York employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in New York, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

New York W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in New York, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

New York new hire reporting for therapy practices

New York new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

New York requires you to report contractors as new hires.

New York workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in New York must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance. Failure to register qualifying employees can lead to felony charges.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in North Carolina

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in North Carolina. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in North Carolina

North Carolina uses the Common Law test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

North Carolina employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in North Carolina, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

North Carolina W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in North Carolina, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

North Carolina new hire reporting for therapy practices

North Carolina new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

North Carolina does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

North Carolina workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in North Dakota

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in North Dakota. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in North Dakota

North Dakota uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

North Dakota employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in North Dakota, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

North Dakota W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in North Dakota, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

  • Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate

North Dakota new hire reporting for therapy practices

North Dakota new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

North Dakota does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

North Dakota workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Ohio

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Ohio. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Ohio

Ohio uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee.

 

Ohio employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Ohio, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Ohio W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Ohio, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Ohio new hire reporting for therapy practices

Ohio new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Ohio does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Ohio workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

All new hires in Ohio must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Oklahoma

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Oklahoma. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Oklahoma

Oklahoma uses criteria A and B or A and C of the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Oklahoma employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Oklahoma, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Oklahoma W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Oklahoma, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Oklahoma new hire reporting for therapy practices

Oklahoma new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Oklahoma does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Oklahoma workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Oregon

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Oregon. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Oregon

Oregon uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Oregon employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Oregon, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Oregon W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Oregon, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Oregon new hire reporting for therapy practices

Oregon new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Oregon requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Oregon workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Pennsylvania

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Pennsylvania. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania uses criteria A and C of the ABC test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Pennsylvania employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Pennsylvania, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Pennsylvania W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Pennsylvania, they are not required to submit a state W-4 form. In Pennsylvania, all income tax is paid (and withheld) at a flat rate.

Pennsylvania new hire reporting for therapy practices

Pennsylvania new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Pennsylvania does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

Intentionally failing to register an employee for workers’ compensation can result in felony charges.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Rhode Island

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Rhode Island. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Rhode Island

Rhode Island uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Rhode Island employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Rhode Island, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Rhode Island W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Rhode Island, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Rhode Island new hire reporting for therapy practices

Rhode Island new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 14 days of their start date.

Rhode Island does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Rhode Island workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in South Carolina

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in South Carolina. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in South Carolina

South Carolina uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

South Carolina employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in South Carolina, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

South Carolina W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in South Carolina, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

South Carolina new hire reporting for therapy practices

South Carolina new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of their start date

Reporting contractors as new hires is optional in South Carolina.

South Carolina workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in South Dakota

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in South Dakota. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in South Dakota

South Dakota uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

South Dakota employer registration for therapy practices

Since South Dakota does not collect income tax, you only need to register for SUTA.

South Dakota W-4 form for therapists

South Dakota does not collect income tax, so employees do not need to submit a state W-4 form.

South Dakota new hire reporting for therapy practices

South Dakota new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

South Dakota does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

South Dakota workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in South Dakota must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Tennessee

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Tennessee. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Tennessee

Tennessee uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Tennessee employer registration for therapy practices

Since Tennessee does not collect income tax, you only need to register for SUTA payments. 

Tennessee W-4 form for therapists

Tennessee does not collect income tax, so employees do not need to submit a state W-4 form.

Tennessee new hire reporting for therapy practices

Tennessee new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Tennessee does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Tennessee workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Tennessee must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Texas

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Texas. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Texas

Texas uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Texas employer registration for therapy practices

Since Texas does not collect income tax, you only need to register for SUTA payments. 

Texas W-4 form for therapists

Texas does not collect income tax, so employees do not need to submit a state W-4 form.

Texas new hire reporting for therapy practices

Texas new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of their start date.

Texas requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Texas workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Texas must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Utah

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Utah. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Utah

Utah uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Utah employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Utah, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Utah W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Utah, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form. It’s identical to the IRS (federal) W-4 form.

Utah new hire reporting for therapy practices

Utah new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

  • To report new hires, visit UtahID

Utah does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Utah workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Utah must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Vermont

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Vermont. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Vermont

Vermont uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Vermont employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Vermont, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Vermont W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Vermont, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

  • Form W-4VT, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

Vermont new hire reporting for therapy practices

Vermont new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 10 days of hiring.

Vermont does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Vermont workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Virginia

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Virginia. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Virginia

Virginia uses criteria A and B or A and C of the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Virginia employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Virginia, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

Virginia W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Virginia, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

  • Form VA-4, Employee’s Virginia Income Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate

Virginia new hire reporting for therapy practices

Virginia new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Virginia requires you to report contractors as new hires.

Virginia workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Virginia must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Washington

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Washington. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Washington

Washington uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Washington employer registration for therapy practices

Since Washington State does not collect income tax, you only need to register to pay SUTA.

Washington W-4 form for therapists

Since Washington doesn’t collect income tax, new hires are not required to submit W-4 forms.

Washington new hire reporting for therapy practices

Washington new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Washington does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Washington workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Washington must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Washington, D.C.

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in DC. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in DC

DC uses the Common Law Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

DC employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in DC, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

DC W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in DC, they're required to submit a state W-4 form.

DC new hire reporting for therapy practices

DC new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

DC does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

DC workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in DC must be registered for workers’ compensation.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in West Virginia

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in West Virginia. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in West Virginia

West Virginia uses the ABC Test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

West Virginia employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in West Virginia, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments with a single, combined registration.

West Virginia W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in West Virginia, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

West Virginia new hire reporting for therapy practices

West Virginia new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 14 days of hiring.

West Virginia requires you to report contractors as new hires if you pay them $2,500 or more for services.

West Virginia workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Businesses in West Virginia with fewer than five employees are not required to register them for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Wisconsin

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Wisconsin. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Wisconsin

Wisconsin uses criteria A and C of the ABC test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee. 

Wisconsin employer registration for therapy practices

To hire employees in Wisconsin, you must register both for state income tax withholding and state unemployment tax (SUTA) payments.

Wisconsin W-4 form for therapists

When you hire a new employee in Wisconsin, you’re required to submit a state W-4 form.

Wisconsin new hire reporting for therapy practices

Wisconsin new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Wisconsin does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Wisconsin workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

Most new hires in Wisconsin must be registered for workers’ compensation insurance.

How to hire employees for your therapy practice in Wyoming

This is a basic outline of your obligations when you hire a new employee in Wyoming. For more information, check out:

Employees vs. contractors in Wyoming

Wyoming uses criteria A and C of the ABC test to determine whether an individual you hire is a contractor or an employee.

 

Wyoming employer registration for therapy practices

Since Wyoming does not collect income tax, you do not need to register to withhold income tax.

To register to pay SUTA:

Wyoming W-4 form for therapists

Since Wyoming does not collect income tax, new employees are not required to submit W-4 forms.

Wyoming new hire reporting for therapy practices

Wyoming new hire reporting laws require you to report new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.

Wyoming does not require you to report contractors as new hires.

Wyoming workers’ compensation requirements for therapy practices

New hires are exempt from workers’ compensation if they are casual employees.

With so much variation from one state to the next, employee onboarding—especially if you run a remote therapy practice—can be a handful. It’s easier when you set up a comprehensive payroll solution for your therapy practice.

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post.

Bryce Warnes is a West Coast writer specializing in small business finances.

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