Employer Resource Guide
Hire with clarity.
Build a stronger team.
A practical guide to preparing a position, recruiting candidates, setting up employer accounts, onboarding employees, and meeting ongoing workplace responsibilities.
Before You Post the Job
A good hire starts with a clear role.
Before recruiting, define the work that needs to be done, the experience truly required, the schedule, the wage range, and what success should look like during the employee’s first several months.
Employer Checklist
From planning the position to supporting the employee.
Work through these steps in order and involve your accountant, payroll provider, insurance professional, or attorney when a decision requires professional guidance.
Plan the position
Define the role and the result you need.
List the core responsibilities, expected schedule, required skills, supervisor, physical requirements, and measurable goals. Separate true requirements from skills that can be taught after hiring.
Explore DLR recruiting help →Prepare the offer
Set pay, schedule, benefits, and employment terms.
Establish a wage or salary range and confirm the expected hours, benefits, time-off practices, and reporting structure. If there is any question about employee or independent-contractor classification, obtain professional guidance before work begins.
Review IRS employment-tax guidance →Employer setup
Prepare your accounts and payroll process.
Confirm your federal employer identification number, payroll schedule, recordkeeping process, and South Dakota Reemployment Assistance account. South Dakota DLR directs newly established businesses to register with the RA Tax Unit.
Review RA employer registration →Recruit and interview
Make the opportunity specific and easy to understand.
Include responsibilities, schedule, location, qualifications, and a wage range in the job posting. Use consistent interview questions and evaluate every candidate against the same job-related criteria.
Post and recruit through SDWORKS →Hire and onboard
Complete the paperwork and create a strong first day.
Complete the required Form I-9 and tax-withholding paperwork, establish payroll and timekeeping, provide applicable policies and safety training, and clearly explain the employee’s responsibilities. Report newly hired and rehired employees to South Dakota within 20 days of their first day of work.
Review new-hire reporting requirements →Support and comply
Maintain the workplace after the hire.
Keep accurate payroll and personnel records, display the applicable workplace postings, maintain current policies, address safety, and schedule regular employee check-ins. Review workers’ compensation coverage with a qualified insurance professional.
Review workplace posting requirements →Official Employer Resources
Go directly to the right source.
Use these official resources for current forms, requirements, employer accounts, and recruiting assistance.
South Dakota DLR Business Services
Get help with job descriptions, staff-assisted recruiting, hiring events, candidate outreach, and workforce programs.
Visit recruitment and hiring services →SDWORKS
Create an employer account, post openings, search candidates, and connect with South Dakota job seekers.
Open SDWORKS →Reemployment Assistance Tax
Register a business, access employer forms, file wage reports, and review South Dakota RA Tax responsibilities.
Visit the RA Tax employer portal →South Dakota New Hire Reporting
Review who must be reported, the information required, reporting methods, and the 20-day reporting deadline.
Visit the New Hire Reporting Center →USCIS Form I-9 Central
Find the current employment-eligibility form, instructions, retention guidance, and official employer resources.
Visit I-9 Central →Employment Laws and Labor Posters
Access South Dakota employment-law information and current state and federal workplace-posting resources.
Review employment-law resources →Workers’ Compensation
South Dakota does not require every employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but DLR strongly recommends coverage. Discuss the risks and appropriate protection with a qualified insurance professional.
Review workers’ compensation information →Not sure where to start?
The Tea Chamber can help you identify local and regional workforce contacts, connect with business resources, and determine which organization is best equipped to answer your next question.
Ask the Tea Chamber →Build Your Team
Looking for workforce connections?
Tell us what kind of support you need. We will help point you toward the appropriate local, regional, or state resource.
Last reviewed November 2026. This guide provides general resource information and is not legal, tax, insurance, payroll, or human resources advice. Requirements may vary by employer and situation.
