Section 23.20.265 - Liability of contractor and principal for contributions(a) An employing unit which contracts with or has under it a contractor or subcontractor who is an employer under the provisions of this chapter may not make a payment to the contractor or subcontractor for a debt due until the contractor or subcontractor has paid or furnished a sufficient bond acceptable to the department for payment of contributions, including penalty and interest, due or to become due for personal services which have been performed by individuals for the contractor or subcontractor arising during the course of the employment of the contractor or subcontractor by the employing unit.(b) Failure to comply with this section makes the employing unit directly liable for the contributions and interest and the department has the remedies of collection against the employing unit under this chapter as though the services in question were performed directly for the employing unit.(c) Upon request, the department may notify an employing unit of its contractor's or subcontractor's liability for contributions, interest, and penalties under this chapter to allow the employing unit to comply with this section.