A Tesla spokesperson told Engadget that the underpaid taxes were the result of a "clerical error," and that it just processed a payment on October 9th to address the gap. The company has discussed new unemployment contribution rates with states ever since it acquired SolarCity, and Nevada clearly expected more. You can read the full statement below.

The firm doesn't have much choice. Its Nevada-based Gigafactory is crucial to virtually every aspect of its business, whether it's rapidly expanding EV sales or its energy storage projects. Although it's doubtful the factory's fate is in jeopardy, Tesla likely doesn't want to antagonize the state -- especially not over a relatively small amount of money.