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This guide walks through the information required to set up US payroll in Bolto. The goal is to reduce friction during initial setup by explaining what each field means, where to find it, and what to do if you don’t have it yet.

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What Setup Includes

Payroll setup is a guided wizard that walks you through:
  1. Company information — legal name, business type, industry, address, contact details, and headcount
  2. Authorized signer — the person authorized to sign payroll filings and agreements for your company
  3. Payroll configuration — pay frequency, first payday, and pay schedule details
  4. Tax setup — federal and state tax information (see State Registrations & IDs)
  5. Agreements — review and sign the required authorizations
  6. Bank account — connect the account that funds payroll, either instantly through Plaid or by entering routing and account numbers manually
  7. Review and finish — confirm everything and submit
You can save progress and return at any point. After you submit, Bolto reviews and verifies your company information — this typically takes about 5 business days (longer if you’re migrating from another payroll provider). If more documentation is needed, you’ll be notified with exactly what to upload.
Migrating from another payroll provider? Setup skips the tax setup step — your tax parameters, team, and payroll history are carried over as part of the migration, which typically takes 2–6+ weeks.

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Company Information

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Company Phone Number

You’ll be asked to provide a company phone number during setup. If your company doesn’t have a dedicated phone number yet, you can use:
  • A founder or operator’s work phone number
  • A virtual phone number (e.g. Google Voice)
This number is primarily used for verification and administrative purposes, not employee outreach.

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Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

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What Is a FEIN?

A FEIN (also called an EIN) is a unique number issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It is required to run US payroll.

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How to Find Your FEIN

You can usually find your FEIN on:
  • IRS confirmation letters (CP 575 or 147C)
  • Previously filed tax returns
  • Bank documents used to open a business account
If you work with an accountant or bookkeeper, they will almost always have this on file.

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How to Verify Your FEIN

Bolto does not automatically verify FEINs in real time. If you need to confirm your FEIN:
  • Check official IRS correspondence
  • Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax line
  • Confirm with your accountant or payroll provider
Avoid guessing — incorrect FEINs can delay payroll setup.

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State Registrations & State IDs

Some states require additional registration before payroll can be processed.

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When State IDs Are Required

State IDs (such as California’s EDD number) are required when:
  • You have employees working in that state
  • The state requires employer registration for payroll taxes
Not every state requires the same identifiers.

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Where to Find Your State ID

State IDs are typically issued when you:
  • Register your business with the state
  • Register for state payroll or unemployment taxes
They can usually be found on:
  • State tax authority correspondence
  • Online state employer portals
  • Prior payroll filings

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What If You Don’t Have a State ID Yet?

If you haven’t registered yet:
  • You can proceed with setup in Bolto
  • Choose Register through Bolto to have Bolto file with the state agencies on your behalf — or complete state registration yourself in parallel
  • Mark tax items as “I’ve applied for this but haven’t received it yet” and add the ID once it’s issued
See State Registrations & IDs for the full guide.

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Payroll Agent Section

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When to Leave This Blank

The payroll agent section is optional. You can leave this blank if:
  • You do not use a third-party payroll agent
  • You are managing payroll directly through Bolto
Only fill this section out if:
  • An external firm is authorized to act on your behalf for payroll filings

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Common Setup Questions

Our company doesn’t have a phone number — what should I put?
Use a founder’s work number or a virtual phone number. How do I find my FEIN?
Check IRS confirmation letters, tax filings, or ask your accountant. How can I verify my FEIN number?
Reference official IRS documents or contact the IRS directly. Where do I get my EDD number?
From the state where you registered for payroll taxes (e.g. California EDD). Do I need a state ID for every state?
No. Requirements vary by state and by worker location. Where should I find this information outside of messaging the IRS?
Your accountant, prior payroll provider, bank documents, or state portals. Do I need to put anything in the payroll agent section?
No — leave it blank unless you use an authorized third-party agent.
If you’re unsure about any field during setup, you can proceed and update details later, or reach out to the Bolto team for guidance.