DID YOU KNOW?
HR leaders are prioritizing development, culture, strategic planning, change management, and HR technology in 2025.
2025 is right around the corner. You’re on your way to completing your essential end-of-year tasks. Starting your year strong sets you up for success through quarter 4—are you ready for everything after January 1st?
Your Essential Early-Year Checklist
• Employee Handbook Many laws go into effect on January 1st, making this an ideal time to review and update your employee handbook. You should always treat your handbook as a living document, as it is a foundational communication tool. When 2025 begins, ensure your handbook reflects current compliance requirements, provides clear guidance for employees, and sets expectations surrounding your organization’s culture and goals.
• Payroll and Tax Filings The start of a new year brings payroll and tax filings. File your end-of-year payroll tax returns to keep your organization compliant and financially accurate. Distribute 1099s to independent contractors and W-2s to employees so you can file W-2s with the IRS by the January 31st deadline.
• ACA and EEO Reporting The EEO-1 reporting process begins on January 1st for employers with over 100 employees and provides the government with a demographic breakdown of an employer’s workforce for enforcement, self-assessment, and research purposes. Employers with over 50 full-time employees must also prepare for ACA reporting. Provide 1095-C forms to employees by March 3rd, and file paper copies of 1094/5-C by February 28th or online by March 31st.
• FICA Reporting Employers with Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax liability of more than $500 for the calendar year must deposit at least one payment per quarter. If all taxes were deposited when due, then Form 940 must be filed by February 10th. Otherwise, file form 940 by January 31st.
Strategic Recommendations
Technology can serve as a compliance ally for 2025. Leverage your HRIS and payroll systems to automate reporting, reduce manual errors, and provide real-time compliance tracking. Use platforms that keep your handbook up to date and make yearly reviews quick and easy. Keep employees in the loop so they remain engaged by clearly communicating deadlines, providing ample resources and support, and explaining the “why” behind reporting requirements to demystify them. Engage employees across departments for comprehensive, accurate data and streamlined reporting.
Is your organization ready? Whether you need assistance completing your end-of-year checklist or want help with your 2025 strategy, PuzzleHR has your back. Contact us today to learn how we can help you start 2025 off strong. The clock is ticking. Your 2025 starts now!
