TDI-DWC Form-005: A Quick and Easy Guide for Texas Employers

If you’re a Texas business owner who doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, listen up—this one’s for you. The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) requires you to file Form DWC-005, also known as the Employer Notice of No Coverage or Termination of Coverage. If you skip it, you could be looking at administrative penalties. Let’s break it down so you can stay compliant and keep your business running smoothly.

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Who Needs to File?

You must file the DWC Form-005 if:

• You do not have workers’ compensation insurance, OR
• You terminated your workers’ compensation coverage

However, if your employees are exempt from coverage under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act (like certain domestic or farm workers), you don’t need to file.

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When Do You Need to File?

Timing is everything. Here’s when you need to submit your DWC Form-005:

• Annually between February 1st and April 30th
• Within 30 days of hiring your first employee (unless this falls between Feb 1 – April 30 and you file within that timeframe)
• Within 10 days of receiving a request from DWC
• Within 10 days after terminating your workers’ comp insurance (unless you buy a new policy or become a certified self-insurer)

Not sure when to start? If it’s your first time filing, the start date is the first day you didn’t have coverage. If you just terminated coverage, the start date is your first day without it.

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How to File

Filing your DWC Form-005 is easy. Pick your preferred method:

• Online: File electronically on the TDI website: DWC Form-005 Online Filing
• Fax: Send it to (512) 804-4146
• Mail: Use the address listed at the top of the form

Pro Tip: Filing online is the fastest and easiest option—no paper, no stamps, no hassle.

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What Happens If You Don’t File?

Failure to file when required can lead to administrative penalties. That’s government talk for fines and headaches you don’t need. Save yourself the trouble—just file the form!

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What Else Do You Need to Do?

If you’re a non-subscriber (a business without workers’ compensation insurance), you have to notify your employees that you don’t provide coverage. This means:

1. Posting the Notice to Employees Concerning Workers’ Compensation in Texas in English, Spanish, and any other common workplace language
2. Providing written notice to each employee at these times:
   • At hiring
   • When you opt out of workers’ comp
   • Within 15 days of canceling a policy (unless you have continuous coverage)

You can find the required notice forms here:

• English Notice
• Spanish Notice

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Final Thoughts

Filing the DWC Form-005 might not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but it’s a must for non-subscribers in Texas. The good news? It’s simple, quick, and keeps you in the clear with state regulations. File it, post your notices, and stay compliant—your business (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

For more details, visit the TDI-DWC website.