Introducing the Employer Tax Release of the Unemployment Compensation Management System (UCMS)

July - November 2010

Welcome to the new Unemployment Compensation Management System for the Commonwealth of PA, Department of Labor & Industry. Throughout this presentation, you'll see the system referred to as UCMS. We created this presentation to help employers, as well as Third Party Administrators, understand the new system and learn how to navigate it.

Table of Contents

The Table of Contents has active links so that you can easily find what you are looking for and go directly to that section of the presentation.

What is the Unemployment Compensation Management System (UCMS)?

• An integrated unemployment compensation system for employers, claimants, Third Party Administrators and UC staff
• Replaces 40-year-old legacy computer systems and will improve the quality of services provided to UC customers
• The Employer Tax Release offers employers, third party administrators (TPAs) and professional employer organizations (PEOs):
   
  • Real-time, 24-hour access to employer account data in a secure environment
  • Enhanced online access to documents, such as rate notices and general correspondences, as well as self-help information

First, let's take a look at -- What exactly IS UCMS? It's an integrated unemployment compensation system - an interactive, online system -- for employers, claimants, Third Party Administrators and UC staff It replaces 40-year-old legacy computer systems and will improve the quality of services provided to UC customers This release of UCMS -- The Employer Tax Release -- offers employers, third party administrators (TPAs) and professional employer organizations (PEOs): Real-time, 24-hour access to employer account data in a secure environment Enhanced online access to documents, such as rate notices and general correspondences, as well as self-help information

What is NOT Included in the Employer Tax Release?

• Employer Tax Release does NOT include functions related to claims processing, such as:
   
  • Relief from charges for employers
  • Submission of separation notices
• Next phase of UCMS will provide claims functionality for employers and claimants:
   
  • Claims/benefits release is anticipated in 2011

It's important to understand, however, that the Employer Tax Release does not include functions related to claims processing, such as Relief from charges for employers Submission of separation notices Those functions will be part of the next phase of the project, which is expected to be released in 2011. That phase will also include all of the claimant features, enabling claims and benefits to be processed online, through UCMS, as well.

Overview of the Employer Tax Release

We're going to start with an overview of the key features of the system and changes that are important for you to know about. Then we will get into the details of how the system works, how to set up your account, file quarterly reports, etc.

Important Features of the System

--Online self-service for employers and TPAs (third party administrators)
--Ability for TPAs to pre-file to ensure data integrity
--Submit quarterly reports and payments online for any quarter, any time
--Immediate calculation of contribution for online filers
--Online payment by ACH credit, ACH debit and credit card
--Print voucher for payment by check
--Online self-service for employers and TPAs (third party administrators)
--Ability for TPAs to pre-file to ensure data integrity
--Online rate and voluntary contribution estimation tools for employers
--Apply credits to outstanding receivables such as contributions, fees, interest and penalties
--Submit tax rate appeal online
--Online employer tool to calculate debit reserve adjustment
--Direct deposit of refunds
--Self-service view into financial information; view payment and refund histories
--PEOs (professional employer organizations) can file quarterly client reports online any time after completion of a quarter
--Link between client account and TPA/PEO account when both parties authorize the client/TPA/PEO relationship

The Tax Release of UCMS offers these features: -- Online self-service for employers and TPAs (third party administrators) -- The ability for TPAs to pre-file to ensure data integrity -- You are able to submit quarterly reports and payments online for any quarter, any time -- Online filers can immediately calculate contributions -- You can pay online by ACH credit, ACH debit and credit card -- Or print a voucher for payment by check -- The system provides online rate and voluntary contribution estimation tools -- Credits can be immediately applied to outstanding receivables such as contributions, fees, interest and penalties -- You have the ability to submit a tax rate appeal online -- The system provides an online employer tool to calculate a debit reserve adjustment -- Refunds can be directly deposited to your bank account -- You have the ability to look up financial information at any time, for example you can view your payment and refund histories -- PEOs (professional employer organizations) can file quarterly client reports online any time after completion of a quarter -- A link is established between a client account and TPA/PEO account when both parties authorize the client/TPA/PEO relationship

Important Changes to Know About

--The Employer Tax Release of UCMS replaces e-TIDES for UC tax and wage filing/payments.

1. Online entry
2. File upload
3. File transfer protocol (FTP). Format for filing wage detail reports must comply with the new requirements.

Paper Power of Attorney forms for tax-related issues will no longer be accepted after UCMS goes live, and will be replaced by an online interface for joint authorization by employers, TPAs and PEOs. However, until the claims/benefits phase of UCMS is released in 2011, the paper UC-884 will still be required to create or change Power of Attorney for the notices of compensation charged, financial determination and relief from charge   It's also important to know that UCMS replaces e-TIDES for UC tax and wage filing and payments.   Magnetic media - tape cartridges, diskettes, CDRoms and DVDs - are no longer acceptable. UCMS allows you to file data by online entry, file upload or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). A handbook explaining the new requirements can be found on the Web site and is discussed later in this presentation.   As of the first quarter filing in 2011 - which is due April 30 - employers are required to file unemployment compensation tax and wage reports online, using UCMS. The department will no longer mail paper forms to employers beginning with the first quarter, 2011.

Details of the Employer Tax Release

Note: The links to UCMS will not be available until UCMS goes live in the fall of 2010.

Information below contains further deails related to UCMS.

Logging in to Your UCMS Employer Account

This next section covers logging into your account - actually creating an administrative account in UCMS - for the first time.

1. Your Unemployment Compensation (UC) tax account information;
2. Your Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN); and
3. Knowledge of your filing history for security purposes.

When you first prepare to login to UCMS, we recommend you have the following information available to you: Your Unemployment Compensation (UC) tax account information; Your Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN); and Knowledge of your filing history for security purposes.

1. Enter www.uc.pa.gov into your Web browser.
2. Select Employer Services and then click on www.paucemployers.state.pa.us.* This takes you to the Login page for UCMS.

How do I get my user ID and password to access UCMS? On the login page, click on Register. Please note that the first individual to register for a user ID and password becomes the account administrator for all of your unemployment activities in Pennsylvania.

Once you arrive at the login page, click on the Register "button" or "link." It's important to understand your UCMS account administrator's responsibilities and rights - only the account administrator will be able to grant other people access to the employer's UCMS portal.   When you return to the system in the future - assuming you have established your account -- you will not click on register. Instead, you will enter your user ID and password on this page and click on "login."   Note that if you already have a Keystone user ID and password, you will be able to enter it the first time you arrive at the login page.

When you click on Register, the Create Administrative User Account page opens.   Fill in your business and contact information. Create your password. Click on Next.

On the Create Administrative User Account page, you need to complete all business and contact information. To create an administrative user account, you must complete all required fields for the employer, which are denoted by an asterisk.   Passwords must meet the following criteria: Minimum of 7 characters. Password must contain characters from at least three of the following four categories: UPPERCASE letters. Lowercase letters. Numbers. Non-alphanumeric characters (!@#$, etc.)

Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions. If the required information is complete, you will receive your user ID.   Enter your user ID and password and click on login.

If you have missed filling in required information, you will receive an error message telling you to go back and complete that section. Otherwise, once you agree to the Terms and Conditions, the system will generate your unique user ID. Using that ID and the password you've created, you will be able to now click on the Login button and sign onto the system.

Verify Employer Information What is the next step after creating my account? Use your newly created user ID and password to log into the system to:

1. Access your account information;
2. Choose your correspondence preference (Email or Mail); and
3. Add, update or verify all employer demographic information, such as contact, ownership and address information.

It's important to add any missing information and check that all of the information on your business is accurate in the system. Once you've established your account, access your account information to confirm or edit it and choose the method by which you prefer to receive correspondence.   We then suggest you click on the various links and tabs in the system to familiarize yourself with UCMS and its capabilities.

Managing Your Account Information

These next slides will help familiarize you with the functionality available in UCMS to manage the information in your account.

Profile Maintenance   How do I access my account information in UCMS?   Once logged in, you will be at your Profile Maintenance page. Use the menu options on the left and tabs within the pages to access your account information.   In addition, most data is available using the menu options on the left from the UCMS Homepage.   Help Text also is available to assist you.

If you already are a business registered in Pennsylvania and have been paying unemployment taxes, your history and company information will be pre-populated in UCMS.   The left-hand menu options under profile maintenance include: Organization Establishments Acquisitions Manage Representatives. The tabs are: Summary Name Addresses Telephone Email Contacts Preferences You can click on "UCMS home" in the left-hand menu to return to a menu of more options. On the UCMS home page you will find the links to Quarterly Reporting, Payments, Contribution Rates, etc.

How do I add or verify my demographic and contact information - name, address, etc? Use the tabs within your Profile Maintenance page to view and modify general demographic and contact information.

Profile Maintenance is the default page - once you've logged in. It's simple to just click on each tab and add, confirm or edit your information.   Note that UCMS will generate important messages to you periodically, such as due dates for wage reports or if you have a delinquency. On this slide the red dashed lines outline the area where those messages will appear.

How do I choose whether to receive correspondence by Email or U.S. mail?   From the Employer Profile page: Select the Preferences tab and click on Correspondence. Select either Email or Mail. If the Email address or mailing address is not correct, select the Summary tab, click on the Edit Profile link and click on the Address or Email Address link to update the information.

The screen shots on the right are labeled to correspond with the steps in the directions on the left- 1, 2 and 3. Step 1: The arrow indicates the Preferences tab. The correspondence link is circled in red. Step 2. Once you've clicked on the correspondence link, you will select either email or mail, depending on your preference. Step 3: If you need to add or edit your email or mailing address, you go to the Summary tab and click on edit profile - circled in red in the screen shot for Step 3 on the right. Next, click on Address or Email Address to update the information.

This section can be skipped if you are not addressing an audience that includes TPAs/PEOs or you can explain that TPAs and PEOs must register with UCMS and acquire an identifier before they can be authorized by the employer to represent the employer.

UCMS Login Page for TPAs and PEOs

If I am a TPA or PEO, how do I get to the UCMS login page?

1. Enter www.uc.pa.govinto your Web browser.
2. Select Employer Services and then click on www.paucemployers.state.pa.us.* This takes you to the Login page for UCMS.

Logging in as a TPA (Third Party Administrator) or PEO (Professional Employer Organization) uses the same process as logging in as an employer, except that you will have an opportunity to identify yourself as a Third Party Administrator. The instructions shown on this slide will take you to the login page for UCMS.

Register for a TPA/PEO User ID and Password

How do I get my TPA/PEO user ID and password to access UCMS?   On the login page, click on Register.

Once you arrive at the login page, click on the Register "button" or "link." It's important to understand your UCMS account administrator's responsibilities and rights - only the account administrator will be able to grant other people access to the employer's UCMS portal.   When you return to the system in the future - assuming you have established your user ID and password -- you will not click on register. Instead, you will enter your user ID and password on this page and click on "login." Again, if you already have a Keystone ID and password, use that information to login to UCMS.   Note that if you already have a Keystone user ID and password, you will be able to enter it the first time you arrive at the login page.

When you click on Register, the Create Administrative User Account page opens. Fill in your business and contact information. Select the radio button for Third Party Administrator and enter your TPA account number if you have one. Create your password. Click on Next.

To create an administrative user account, you must complete all required fields, which are denoted by an asterisk.   Passwords must meet the following criteria: Minimum of 7 characters. Password must contain characters from at least three of the following four categories: UPPERCASE letters. Lowercase letters. Numbers. Non-alphanumeric characters (!@#$, etc.)

Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions. If the required information is complete, you will receive your user ID. Enter your user ID and password and click on login.   NOTE: Entities that are both employers and TPAs/PEOs must register twice, once for each role. You will be given a unique user ID and account number for each role.

You must agree to the Terms and Conditions, which, if you've entered all of the required information correctly, will result in the system generating your unique user ID. (read or re-state this note for the audience) - Entities that are both employers and TPAs/PEOs must register twice, once for each role. You will be given a unique user ID and account number for each role.

The Create TPA/PEO Group Account page opens. Select the radio button indicating the type of account you are establishing and Submit. If you do not yet have a TPA account number, you will need to complete the TPA or PEO information requested, such as legal name, FEIN, address and contact information. A screen opens showing your UCMS TPA/PEO identifier.

You need to re-enter your address and other specific information so that the system lists you as a TPA or PEO associated with the identifier that it generates.

TPA Access to Client Information

How do I get authorization to access my client information?

• Provide your client(s) with your TPA/PEO UCMS identifier
• Client establishes you as representative in UCMS
• Replaces Power of Attorney process

NOTE: Authorization is required to access client data and file quarterly reports, except for reports filed by File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or upload.

Securing a user ID and establishing an account in UCMS will provide you (the TPA/PEO) with access to your account information. To access your client information, provide your client with your TPA/PEO identifier - the 10-digit number you receive at the end of the registration process -- so that your client may establish you as its representative.   Once the employer has identified you as its representative, you will be able to find that employer listed under your UCMS administrative account. You then "accept" that employer as a client and UCMS notifies the employer.   This replaces the paper Power of Attorney process.

Filing Quarterly UC Reports

File Quarterly UC Reports Online

How do I file my quarterly UC reports online? Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to:

1. Click on Quarterly Reporting page.
2. Select File Quarterly Report from the left-hand menu.
3. Select the Online radio button.

To file your quarterly UC reports, you first login to UCMS. Then Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Quarterly Reporting page. Select File Quarterly Report from the left-hand menu. Select the Online radio button.

Select either "Pre-Populate" or "Non-Populated" from the dropdown menu and click the Continue button.   NOTE: Choose "Pre-Populate" if your wage data is in UCMS and you wish the system to list the names and wage information from last quarter. Choose "Non-Populated" if you intend to enter the names and wage information manually online.

Here you need to tell the system whether you want it to show you a page with your employee data and wage details for you to update or if you wish to manually enter the information. If you select pre-populate, the system will show you your employee names and wage information from the most recent quarter. If your employer data is not in the system, you will return to the same page and receive an error message that states: "There is no prior information available to pre-populate." You will then need to select "non-populated."   When/if you select non-populated, you will need to enter the employee names and wage information manually. Alternatively, you can upload wage information or use file transfer protocol (FTP) to download it. These processes are explained in the following pages.

5. Select the quarter for which you wish to file using the radio button. If the quarter and year don't appear in the list, select the quarter from the dropdown menu, enter the year and click Continue.

If the quarter for which you wish to file is listed, click on the adjacent button and then click Continue. However, if the quarter isn't listed for some reason, go down to the drop-down menu - shown in this example in the bottom oval on the screen - and use the drop down menu to select the quarter - using the numbers one through four - and then manually enter the year.

If you have not paid wages, select "No" and UCMS will record the "No Wages" report. Otherwise, select "Yes," and click Continue. Enter the employee wage information and click Continue.

The system will ask you whether or not you paid wages for the quarter for which you're filing. If you have not paid wages, select "no" and the UCMS will record it. Otherwise, select "yes" and "continue." This will open a page in which you can enter employee wage information for the quarter. If you've selected "pre-populate" and the system has data from you from previous quarters, that information will appear on this page. You can then add the new wage information - in the area circled in red toward the bottom of the screen -- and click "continue."

UCMS will calculate the total gross and taxable wages and the amounts due. Enter the number of covered employees who worked or received wages during the payroll period that included the 12th of the month. Follow the prompts to continue to the final calculations page and select the Submit button to file your report.

UCMS will calculate the total gross and taxable wages and the tax due. You may modify the employee withholding due and/or the taxable wage figure if necessary. Sometimes the numbers differ because of rounding, for example.   If you are filing late, the system will calculate your interest and/or penalty as well.   Follow the prompts to continue to the final calculations page. When you are satisfied that the information is correct, hit "submit" to file your report.

At this point, you may opt to file another report or make a payment.

At this point, the system will prompt you to make a payment or file another report. We are going to look at the process for making payments in a later set of slides. Let's turn now to filing quarterly reports using the upload and then FTP process.

File Quarterly UC Reports by Upload

How do I file my quarterly UC reports by uploading a wage file?   To file by upload, go to your UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Quarterly Reporting and select File Quarterly Report. Select the Upload Wage Report File radio button and click Continue. Select the file format. Note: Uploaded files will take approximately two business days to process. TPAs and large employers who previously filed by magnetic media must file by FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or upload, depending on file size.

Filing by upload basically means that you are transferring an electronic file from your computer system to UCMS. From your UCMS Home Page, Click on Quarterly Reporting and select File Quarterly Report. Select the Upload Wage Report File radio button and click Continue. Select the file format, either Comma Delimited Text File or Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies (ICESA) file.

Locate the file to be uploaded from your computer by clicking on Browse. Follow the prompts to upload the file. When you have successfully uploaded the file, you will receive confirmation. If you are ready to file your report, click Submit.

Locate the file to be uploaded from your computer by clicking on Browse. Follow the prompts to upload the file. When you have successfully uploaded the file, you will receive confirmation. If you are ready to file your report, hit Submit.

File Quarterly UC Reports by FTP

How do I file my quarterly UC reports by File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?   To file by FTP, go to your UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Quarterly Reporting and select File Quarterly Report. Select the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) radio button and click Continue. You will be provided with a user agreement and file specifications for FTP filing. Note: FTP files will take approximately two business days to process. TPAs and large employers who previously filed by magnetic media must file by FTP or upload, depending on file size.

File Transfer Protocol - or FTP - is typically used by larger employers and third party administrators. TPAs and large employers who previously filed by magnetic media must file by FTP or upload into UCMS directly. Employers or TPAs who use FTP must follow the specifications outlined in the Electronic Reporting Handbook, which is available online at www.uc.pa.gov. FTP filers also must pre-file (send certain data in advance), which is explained in the next slide and in the Electronic Reporting Handbook in more detail.

• A process for checking data files in advance of quarterly filing that ensures accurate data and file formatting.
• Only TPAs must pre-file.
• To file quarterly reports by FTP, TPAs must pre-file.
• Replaces the "client rate verification process."
• Specifications and procedures can be found in the Electronic Reporting Handbook on the UC PA site at www.uc.pa.gov. Click the link in the center of the pages for Employer Services, click on UC Tax Information and then How to File.

NOTE: Pre-filing only applies to TPAs.

Pre-filing is a way to check data files in advance and ensure accurate data and formatting. TPAs who file for multiple clients must pre-file. The pre-file process replaces the client rate verification process and can be done as you add clients to ensure that you secure correct rates and account numbers for your clients. You will be able to pre-file up to three times each quarter before filing your clients' quarterly reports.   The specifications and procedures for pre-filing are explained in the Electronic Reporting Handbook on the UC PA Web site.   From the Electronic Reporting Handbook: "Third Party Administrators (TPAs) who choose to file quarterly reports for their clients by submitting files to the department via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) must ensure that accurate data is transmitted. The pre-file process is used by the department to provide accurate account number and contribution rate information for the clients of a TPA to facilitate increased accuracy for filing and payment of quarterly UC reports."

Amend Quarterly UC Reports

How do I amend a previously filed tax and/or wage report? Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to:

1. Click on Quarterly Reporting;
2. Amend Quarterly Report will be the default page. The process is similar to filing quarterly reports online as discussed in the previous question.

If you need to correct a quarterly report - for example, add missing employees, change the amount of wages paid, etc. - you will go to the Amend Quarterly Report page, which is the default page under Quarterly Reporting from your UCMS Home Page. You will need to choose Online, Upload or FTP, just as when you file a quarterly report and hit "continue."

View Quarterly UC Reports

How do I view quarterly wages and tax report history? Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to:

1. Click on Quarterly Reporting; then.
2. Select Filing History from the menu options on the left.
3. Select the quarter and year you want to view using the radio button and then select the button for the history you wish to view: Wage Detail, Tax Summary or Payment History.

You may view your filing history by going to your UCMS Home page and selecting Quarterly Reporting from the left-hand menu options. Then select Filing History. On the next screen, select the quarter and year you want to view using the radio button. Then select either View Wage Detail, Tax Summary or Payment History, depending on what you wish to view.

Here is a view of a sample wage detail, sample tax summary and payment history from the system.

Submitting Payments Online

How do I submit payments for quarterly taxes?   Once you file your quarterly report(s), you have the opportunity to select Make a Payment. Or: Select Make a Payment from the UCMS Home page, using the menu options on the left. Enter the amount to be paid and click Make Payment. You will then select the payment method.

When you finish filing your quarterly report, you will have the option to make a payment. You can choose to make a payment then or at another time. If you select Make a Payment after filing your quarterly report, you will go directly to Step 2. Otherwise, follow these directions: Select Make a Payment from the UCMS Home page, using the menu options on the left. Enter the amount to be paid and click Make Payment. You will then select the payment method - explained next.

You have the option to make an online payment by any of the following methods: ACH Debit ACH Credit Credit Card

You may choose among three methods of payment for paying online: ACH Debit, in which you authorize UCMS to withdraw a payment from your bank account. This is the preferred payment method. ACH Credit, in which you initiate the transaction by telling your bank to transfer the funds from your bank account to UCMS. Credit Card, which works like any other online credit card transaction. Once you've selected your payment method, you will be prompted to either enter your bank or credit card information. Bank account information remains in the system until you change or remove it. For security reasons, credit card information is cleared after every transaction.   You will also note that the option to "Print Payment Voucher" is shown on this screen. This is available for employers who are unable to pay by some form of electronic payment.

How do I add my bank account information?   Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Make a Payment; then enter the amount to pay and click Make Payment. The Payment Methods page will appear. Click on the Add Bank Account Information link.

You also will need to add your bank account information when you are first making a payment online and select Add Bank Account Information. You will need your bank name, account number and type and routing information, which can be obtained from your bank or from your checks. [The next slide shows how to find your routing number.]

You can generally obtain this information from your bank or on a check for the account from which you wish to make a payment. The routing number for your bank is nine digits located on the lower part of the check and begins with a 0, 1, 2 or 3.

The routing number is on your checks. It's a nine-digit number beginning with 0, 1, 2 or 3. On a personal check, it is the first nine digits in the lower left-hand corner. On a business check, as shown in the top example, it may appear in the middle or another position. The other numbers on the same line are the check number and the person or organizations bank account number.

Enter your credit or debit card information on the Payment Methods page at the time of payment. If you have ever paid for anything online, you will be familiar with this process. For security reasons, debit card and credit card information is not held in the system. You must resubmit this information each time you make a new payment.   NOTE: You will be charged a convenience fee of 2.49% of the amount of your payment. The amount of your convenience fee for the transaction will be displayed on the disclaimer page.

Filing Rate Appeals Online

How do I file a rate appeal?   Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Contribution Rates; then Select Submit Appeal. Select the rate period(s) for appeal. Select the reason(s) and additional data as required for the appeal for each period(s). Select the Submit button.

From your UCMS home page, Click on Contribution Rates; then Select Submit Appeal. Select the rate period(s) for appeal. Select the reason(s) and additional data as required for the appeal for each period(s). Select the Submit button.

How do I estimate my voluntary contribution amount?   Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Contribution Rates; then Select Voluntary Contribution Calculator. Click on an Achievable Rate and UCMS provides a contribution amount. How do I submit a voluntary contribution?   Follow the steps above and select Submit Voluntary Contribution Payment.

Your reserve ratio is a lifetime measure of the employer's risk with unemployment. It is determined by dividing the balance in the employer's reserve account (i.e., the lifetime unemployment contributions you've paid minus the lifetime benefits charged against your account) by your average annual taxable payroll for the last three fiscal years. This ratio (percentage) is then cross-referenced to the applicable table in the Law which indicates your reserve ratio factor. The reserve ratio factor is part of your experience rate. Since UC taxes are affected by the amount of your reserve ratio, voluntary contributions may help lower your tax rate. In order to affect the rate, contributions must be submitted within 30 days from the mailing date of the contribution rate notice or within the first 120 days of the calendar year, whichever is sooner.   To determine the amount of voluntary contribution necessary to reduce your reserve ratio, from your UCMS home page: Click on Contribution Rates; then Select Voluntary Contribution Calculator. Click on an achievable rate and UCMS provides a contribution amount. You can then choose to submit a voluntary contribution online using UCMS.

1. Click on Contribution Rates; then
2. Select the Debit Reserve Adjustment election.

How do I make a debit reserve account adjustment election? Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to:

1. Click on Contribution Rates;
2. Select the Debit Reserve Adjustment election.

The option to make a debit reserve account adjustment election is only available from the time that mass rate notices are issued - approximately October 15 - through the following April 30. During this time, when you go into UCMS and select Debit Reserve Adjustment, the system will automatically inform you whether you are eligible for this adjustment or not. If you are and you wish to make the adjustment, you will follow the instructions on your screen to submit your request.

Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Contribution Rates; then. The Rate History is the default page.

Methods of Financing UC Coverage

1. Contributory - employers pay contributions quarterly based on a taxable wage base paid annually to each employee.
2. Reimbursable - employers may elect, if qualified, to reimburse the UC Fund for the amount of benefits chargeable to their account on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For the most part, only government accounts and qualified non-profit organizations may use the reimbursable method.

1. Click on Reimbursable Financing Method; then
2. Select Submit/Update Election from the menu options on the left; then
3. Select Submit Reimbursable election.

Employer contributions (in the form of quarterly tax payments) are the primary funding source for UC benefit payments. An employee withholding tax is a secondary funding source. The costs of UC program administration are defrayed by federal employer taxes collected under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).   The two methods of financing employer UC coverage are: Contributory - employers pay contributions quarterly based on a taxable wage base paid annually to each employee. Reimbursable - employers may elect, if qualified, to reimburse the UC Fund for the amount of benefits chargeable to their account on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For the most part, only government accounts and qualified non-profit organizations may use the reimbursable method. To change from contributory to reimbursable online, Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Click on Reimbursable Financing Method; then Select Submit/Update Election from the menu options on the left; then Select Submit Reimbursable election.

Obtaining FUTA Certification

1. Access the Certifications page.
2. Request Federal Certification is the default page.
3. Select the year from the dropdown menu and make sure the name and address information is correct.
4. Select Submit.
5. Print your certification.

Go to the UCMS Home page and use the menu options on the left to: Access the Certifications page. Request Federal Certification is the default page. Select the year from the dropdown menu and make sure the name and address information is correct. Select Submit. Print your certification.

Questions?

• Frequently Asked Questions
• UC Employer Services Web site
• UC Management System Update Web site
• Employer Contact Center - 717.787.7679 or 866.403.6163 or by email at uc-news@pa.gov

The first two links are at www.uc.pa.gov. Once you are on that page, click the "Employer Services" link in the center of the page. To find the Frequently Asked Questions go to "UC Management System," found on the left-hand menu and click on FAQs in the subsequent left-hand menu. If you browse through this Web site you will find lots of other information on UCMS.   In addition, you may contact the Employer Contact Center at either of the numbers listed here or submit a question by e-mail.

Appendix - New Employers

How do I register my business if I am not currently paying unemployment tax?

 

New employers who are not yet in the system should register their organizations on the Pennsylvania Open for Business Web site.* Then follow the directions for registering a new business.

 

[Speaker's Notes:]