> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.middesk.com/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.middesk.com/_mcp/server.

# Learn the registration lifecycle

> Understand how Middesk registration requests move from invitation to completed jurisdiction registrations.

Businesses initiate payroll tax registration requests when they need to register for payroll taxes in jurisdictions where they have employees.
Manage registrations on behalf of clients or refer them to Middesk for self-service.

This page describes the registration lifecycle from initiation to completion.

#### Request initiation

[Initiate a registration request](/manage-entities/registration-request) from the Middesk dashboard or with the [API](/api-reference/entity-management/registration-requests/create-a-registration-request). This generates a unique registration request ID and secure link for the end user to access and complete the intake application form.

#### End user completion

The end user completes an intake application form, customized for required agencies, through Middesk’s hosted form.

#### Payment processing

**Reseller model**: Middesk invoices you and the end user completes the application without needing payment details.

**Referral model**: Middesk charges the end user directly before processing begins.

#### Middesk operations

The Middesk team handles all necessary steps to complete registration with the relevant agencies, ensuring compliance.

#### Information request

Middesk notifies you or end users when additional information is needed to complete a registration submission.

#### Status updates

For some jurisdictions, registrations move directly to a `completed` status.
For others, registration remains in `government_processing` until official processing is confirmed by the agency.

> **Tip**
>
> Track and manage registrations through the Middesk [Partner Dashboard](https://app.middesk.com/), API, or [webhooks](/manage-entities/webhooks).

#### Completion

Middesk sends you a final update indicating the registration's completion with any necessary tax IDs and rates available.

## Registration request statuses

As a registration request moves through its lifecycle, it transitions through different top-level statuses.

| Status      | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `pending`   | Registration requested but employer has not completed the intake application.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| `submitted` | Employer has completed intake application and Middesk Operations is working on fulfillment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| `completed` | Middesk Operations team has finished working on the requested registration. All jurisdiction deliverables are in a terminal status. See each individual agency in the registration request response for specific statuses per agency. For example, it's possible the registration request is `completed` but the deliverable registration was a `duplicate`. |
| `cancelled` | End employer selected an unsupported tax situation and the registration request was cancelled, or the partner hit the cancel registration request endpoint to cancel the registration request.                                                                                                                                                               |

> **Get a demo**
>
> Contact your account manager or [contact sales](https://www.middesk.com/contact-sales) to inquire about access.