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Mandatory Lump Sum Reporting
Effective July 23, 2023, employers are required to report lump-sum payments for employees with a garnishment order that includes a payment for arrears (RCW 26.23.063). Reporting to the Division of Child Support must be done before the lump sum is paid out to the employee. Please see Withholding from Bonuses and Lump-Sum Payments for more information and instructions on how to report.
Reporting employee terminations and layoffs
If your business has been withholding and sending in child support payments for employees who are now being laid off or let go, please let us know when payments will stop due to terminations or layoffs. Please provide the name and phone number of your business, the employee names, case identifiers or Social Security numbers, dates of termination and dates of last pay. You can report by:
- Calling the Employer Relations Team at 800-562-0479 (Voicemail is available after hours and on weekends.)
- Mailing the information to:
Division of Child Support
P.O. Box 11520
Tacoma, WA 98411
- Faxing the information to 866-668-9518
- Sending an email to dcs-ert@dshs.wa.gov
Electronic Payment
Most employers that receive an income-withholding order from DCS are required by law to send payments electronically. This applies to businesses that:
- Have 10 or more employees or contractors
- Have fewer than 10 employees but receive an income-withholding order for more than one employee or contractor
- Use a payroll processing company
- Are required to file and pay taxes electronically to the Department of Revenue
Note: Tribal businesses and enterprises are exempt from this law but are encouraged to send their payment to DCS electronically.
You can find more information on making electronic payments here, Sending in Payments | DSHS. The law includes exemptions or waivers for those who qualify. If you have questions or need help choosing and setting up payments, call the Electronic Fund Transfer unit at 800-468-7422.
Employer Support Helps Families and Children
Employers play a big part in helping more than 350,000 children receive child support services. As a key partner in the Washington state child support program, you do your part when you follow state and federal laws to report new hires, withhold income, send payments to us and enroll children into healthcare plans. Sign up for free webinars or check out our Employer Guide to learn more. By working together, we continue to improve the lives of children. Thank you.
If you need general help with your small business, check out the small business guide and other information at Business.Wa.Gov.
Contact
Call our Employer Relations Team at 800-562-0479 or email dcs-ert@dshs.wa.gov with child support questions.