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The collection of startwork documents is a small but essential step in getting any film, commercial, or television project ready for principal photography.
But while the task itself is simple, the task of putting your startwork together does contain a hidden challenge. Depending on where you’re planning to shoot, the exact documents you’ll need to collect can vary dramatically.
This post breaks down startwork requirements state-by-state, giving you quick access to the resources you’ll need to make pre-production on your next project as smooth as possible.
Let’s kick things off with the basics.
In film production, the term “startwork document” refers to any document necessary to legally hire any member of your project’s cast or crew.
Some startwork documents are optional or may only be necessary on a project-by-project basis. Crew Deal Memos, for instance, are a common sight in startwork packets, but the document’s precise details are not legally stipulated and can be modified to meet each project’s needs. Similarly, NDAs are a must when a production is dealing with sensitive intellectual property, but no laws dictate that an NDA needs to be included in your startwork packets.
However, some startwork documents are, in fact, legally required. These documents generally support federal and state tax obligations but may also correspond to labor laws or other mandates.
For ease of use, this post will only detail startwork documents required by each state, but it’s important to calculate your production’s full range of concerns when designing a startwork packet. To cover your basics, be sure to download our free collection of essential forms for film.
Now, let’s dive into our state-by-state breakdown of startwork requirements.
No matter what state you’re planning to shoot in, your production’s startwork requirements will be subject to federal mandates.
Before they begin work, every cast and crew member that you hire in any state will have to turn in the following federal startwork documents:
Beyond federal startwork forms, many states require their own individual documents. The following sections will break down startwork requirements for each state in alphabetical order.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Alabama include:
Furthermore, employers are required to register all new employees (but not independent contractors) with the Alabama New-Hire program.
For more information, contact the Alabama Department of Labor or the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Alaska does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, the state does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
All new hires must be reported to the Alaska Department of Revenue.
For further information, contact the Alaska Department of Revenue or the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Arizona include:
All new employees must be reported to the Arizona New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of their hire date.
For further information, contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the Industrial Commission of Arizona, or the Arizona Department of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Arkansas include:
All new employees must be reported to the Arkansas New Hire Reporting Center.
For further information, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or the Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of California include:
Employers may also be required to grace new employees with select pamphlets and notices, including:
Furthermore, all new hires must be reported to the California New Hire Registry within 20 days of their start-of-work date.
For more information, contact the California Employment Development Department, the California Department of Industrial Relations, or the California Civil Rights Department.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Colorado does not mandate that new employees complete a state withholding form. Instead, the form is optional and only to be filled out at the individual employee’s discretion. You can find the form at here:
All new employees in Colorado must be reported to the Colorado State Directory of New Hires within 20 days of the date of hire.
For further information, contact the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment or the Colorado Department of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Connecticut include:
All new employees must be reported to the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Online New Hire Reporting System within 20 days of their hiring date.
For further information, contact the Connecticut Department of Labor or the Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Connecticut include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Delaware State Directory of New Hire Reporting within 20 days from the date they are hired.
For more information, contact the Delaware Department of Labor, the Delaware Department of Human Resources, or the Delaware Division of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the District of Columbia include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees, including:
Newly hired employees must be reported to the District of Columbia Directory of New Hires within 20 days of their hire date.
For further information, contact the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue, or the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights.
Though new employees will still have to complete all federal startwork forms, the state of Florida currently has no startwork document requirements for new hires.
All new employees must be reported to the Florida Child Support Program.
For more information, contact the Florida Department of Revenue or the Florida Department of Commerce.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Georgia include:
All new employees must be reported to the Georgia New Hire Reporting Center within 10 days after an employee is hired.
For further information, contact the Georgia Department of Labor or the Georgia Department of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Hawaii include:
All new employees must be reported to the State of Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency within 20 days of their hire date.
For additional information, contact the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations or the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Idaho include:
All new employees must be reported to Idaho’s New Hire Directory within 20 days of the date of hire.
For more information, contact the Idaho Department of Labor or the Idaho State Tax Commission.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Illinois include:
All new employees must be reported to the Illinois New Hire Directory within 20 days of an employee’s hiring.
For further information, contact the Illinois Department of Labor, the Illinois Department of Revenue, or the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Indiana include:
All new employees must be reported to the Indiana New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of their hire date.
For additional information, contact the Indiana Department of Labor or the Indiana Department of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Iowa include:
All new employees must be reported to the Iowa Centralized Employee Registry within 20 days of their hire date.
For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Revenue or Iowa Workforce Development.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Kansas include:
All new employees must be reported to the Kansas New Hire Directory within 20 days of the hire.
For more information, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue or the Kansas Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Kentucky include:
All new employees must be reported to the Kentucky New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of the date of hire.
For further information, contact the Kentucky Department of Revenue or the Kentucky Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Louisiana include:
All new employees must be reported to the Louisiana Directory of New Hires within 20 days of a new employee’s first day on the job.
For further information, contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission or the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Maine include:
All new employees must be reported to the Maine Division of Support Enforcement within 7 days of an employee’s date of hire.
For more information, contact Maine Revenue Services or the State of Maine Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Maryland include:
All new employees must be reported to the Maryland State Directory of New Hires Reporting within 20 days of their hire date.
For additional information, contact the office of the Comptroller of Maryland or the Maryland Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Massachusetts include:
Furthermore, employers may be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue within 14 days of an employee’s first day of work.
For additional information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue or the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Michigan include:
All new employees must be reported to the Michigan New Hires Operation Center within 20 days of an employee’s date of hire.
For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Treasury, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Minnesota include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Minnesota New Hire Reporting Center as soon as possible and within 20 days of a new employee’s hire date.
For further information, contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry or the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Mississippi include:
All new employees must be reported to the Mississippi State Directory of New Hires within 15 days of an employee’s hire date.
For more information, contact the State of Mississippi Department of Revenue or the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Missouri include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Missouri Department of Social Services within 20 calendar days of an employee’s hire date.
For additional information, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or the Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Montana include:
All new employees must be reported to the Montana New Hire Reporting Program within 20 days from an employee’s date of hire.
For further information, contact the Montana Department of Revenue or the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Nebraska include:
All new employees must be reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services within 20 days of an employee’s hire date.
For more information, contact the Nebraska Department of Revenue or the Nebraska Department of Labor.
Though new employees must fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Nevada does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, the state does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
Employers may be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation within 20 days of hire.
For additional information, contact the State of Nevada Department of Taxation or the Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of New Hampshire does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, the state does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
All new employees must be reported to New Hampshire Employment Security within 20 days of an employee’s hire date.
For additional information, contact the New Hampshire Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of New Jersey include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the New Jersey Department of Human Services within 20 days of their hire date.
For further information, contact the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development or the New Jersey Treasury’s Division of Taxation.
The state of New Mexico utilizes the federal W-4 form to manage employee withholdings for the state’s individual income tax. As such, New Mexico currently requires no additional withholding form.
All new employees must be reported to the New Mexico New Hire Directory within 20 days of their hire date.
For more information, contact the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department or the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of New York include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance within 20 calendar days from the employees’ hire date.
New York also requires that employers report any independent contractor arrangement with contracts in excess of $2,500.
For additional information, contact the New York Department of Taxation and Finance or the New York Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of North Carolina include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the North Carolina State Directory of New Hires within 20 days of their hire date.
For further information, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
The state of North Dakota utilizes the federal W-4 form to manage employee withholdings for the state’s individual income tax. As such, North Dakota currently requires no additional withholding form.
All new employees must be reported to North Dakota Child Support within 20 days of their first day of work.
For further information, contact the North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner or the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Ohio include:
All new employees must be reported to the Ohio New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of an employee’s date of hire.
For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Taxation or the Ohio Department of Commerce.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Oklahoma include:
All new employees must be reported to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission within 20 days of each employee’s hiring.
For further information, contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission or the Oklahoma Department of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Oregon include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Oregon DOJ Division of Child Support within 20 days of the hire date.
For additional information, contact the Oregon Department of Revenue or the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries.
Because Pennsylvania’s personal income tax is based on a flat tax rate, the state does not currently mandate the collection of a state tax withholding form.
However, for employees who have incurred no liability for income tax the previous year or anticipate that they will incur no liability for income tax in the current year, the state does allow the usage of a standardize state non-withholding form:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Pennsylvania CareerLink no later than 20 days from the date of hire.
For additional information, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Rhode Island include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new hires must be reported to the State of Rhode Island New Hire Reporting Directory within 14 days of their hire date.
For further information, contact the State of Rhode Island Division of Taxation or the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of South Carolina include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the South Carolina New Hires program within 20 days after an employee’s first day or work.
For more information, contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue or the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of South Dakota does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, the state does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
All new employees must be reported to the South Dakota New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of their first day of work for wages.
For further information, contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue or the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Tennessee does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
All new employees must be reported to the Tennessee Department of Human Services within 20 days of their hire.
For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue or the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Texas does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Office of the Attorney General within 20 calendar days of the hire date.
For additional information, contact the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts or the Texas Workforce Commission.
The state of Utah utilizes the federal W-4 form to manage employee withholdings for the state’s individual income tax. As such, Utah currently requires no additional withholding form.
All new employees must be reported to the Utah Department of Workforce Services within 20 days of their first day of work.
For more information, contact the Utah State Tax Commission or the Utah Labor Commission.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Vermont include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Vermont Employer Services Unit within 10 days of the first day that work is performed.
For additional information, contact the State of Vermont Department of Labor or the Vermont Department of Taxes.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Virginia include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Virginia New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of their hire.
For more information, contact Virginia Tax or the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Washington does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, the state does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
However, employers may be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (Division of Child Support) within 20 days of hire.
For further information, contact the Washington State Department of Revenue or the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of West Virginia include:
Employers may also be required to supply select policy notices to new employees upon hiring, including:
All new employees must be reported to the West Virginia New Hire Reporting Center within 14 days of their hire.
For additional information, contact the West Virginia Tax Division or the West Virginia Division of Labor.
In addition to federal startwork forms, documents required to hire new employees in the state of Wisconsin include:
All new employees must be reported to the Wisconsin New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days of their hire date.
For more information, contact the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Though new employees must still fill out all federal startwork documents, the state of Wyoming does not currently have an individual income tax. Therefore, the state does not require new employees to fill out an additional state tax withholding form.
All new hires must be reported to the Wyoming New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days after each employee is hired.
For further information, contact the Wyoming Department of Revenue or the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
Now that you know what’s required for your state, how do you manage it all? As an employer, it’s likely that either you or a coordinator is responsible for sending out and collecting all of this documentation each and every time pre-production begins.
Not having a repeatable solution in place can waste an absurd amount of time. Tracking down cast and crew for missing documents can feel like a job in itself. However, if you have a digital startwork solution in place, the process becomes faster, easier, and more efficient.
Digital is good, even if it sometimes feels scary. When it comes to repeatable tasks, digital is almost always more efficient and more reliable. With a proper startwork solution, productions can digitize the onboarding experience to virtually eliminate the most restrictive time and labor constraints of physical paperwork, not to mention all the legwork required to track people down.
Wrapbook, specifically, enables you to create unique document templates, set your own smart fields, and collect legally binding signatures - all from a centralized project dashboard. You can also store templates and signed documents for easy, searchable reference in the future. (Hint: This is a major advantage if you’re re-hiring the same crew member a few weeks later.)
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out our demo to see Wrapbook in action for yourself.
The above breakdown only covers basic state-by-state startwork documents as required by law. However, your production, its cast, and crew might benefit from other items that do not appear on this list.
At Wrapbook, we work to put as much power as possible directly in the hands of filmmakers. That’s why the Wrapbook Resource Center is packed with free documents and templates that you can customize to meet your production’s unique needs, like our comprehensive Non-Disclosure Agreement template or our Media License & Release template.
It’s also why we provide deep dives into critical production topics, like our guide to planning for the cost of VFX production and virtual breakdown of how to budget for film tax incentives.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
The Wrapbook Team consists of individuals who are thrilled about building modern software tools for creators. We’re a team of compassionate and curious people dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions. You can find us across the U.S. and Canada.
