Staying on top of HR compliance is no small feat, especially as regulations evolve and new deadlines emerge. Falling behind can result in hefty penalties, employee dissatisfaction, and reputational damage. To help your business navigate 2025 with confidence, we've created this comprehensive HR compliance checklist. Mark your calendars and get ahead of the curve with these key deadlines and updates.
Key Federal Compliance Deadlines
- January 15, 2025: Estimated Tax Payment for Q4 of 2024 due (Form 941).
- January 31, 2025:
- W-2 Forms must be distributed to employees and filed with the SSA.
- 1099-NEC Forms must be provided to contractors and filed with the IRS.
- Form 941 for Q4 of 2024 due to the IRS.
- February 28, 2025: Paper filing deadline for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (ACA reporting) for applicable large employers.
- March 15, 2025: Partnership and S Corporation tax returns (Forms 1065/1120-S) due for calendar-year filers.
- March 31, 2025: Electronic filing deadline for ACA reporting forms (1094-C and 1095-C).
- April 15, 2025:
- First-quarter Estimated Tax Payment (Form 941) due.
- Individual and Corporate Tax Returns (Forms 1040 and 1120) due.
- July 31, 2025:
- Second-quarter Form 941 due.
- Form 5500 for employee benefit plans (calendar-year plans) must be filed.
- October 15, 2025: Extended tax filing deadline for calendar-year C Corporations and individuals who filed for extensions.
State-Specific Deadlines (Georgia Examples)
For businesses operating in Georgia, it's important to meet these state-specific compliance deadlines:
- January 31, 2025: Georgia Quarterly Wage Report (DOL-4N) due.
- April 30, 2025: First-quarter Unemployment Insurance Tax payment due.
- July 31, 2025: Second-quarter Unemployment Insurance Tax payment due.
- October 31, 2025: Third-quarter Unemployment Insurance Tax payment due.
New Compliance Updates for 2025
Worker Classification Changes
With stricter enforcement around employee vs. contractor classification, businesses must review job roles to ensure proper categorization under federal and state guidelines.
Wage and Hour Updates
Potential increases to the federal minimum wage and changes to overtime thresholds may require adjustments to payroll practices.
Paid Leave Policies
Expanded federal mandates for family and medical leave could affect leave tracking and benefits administration.
AI in Hiring Regulations
New rules around the ethical use of AI in recruitment and hiring processes are expected to be introduced.
Tips to Stay Compliant
Leverage Technology
Use payroll and HR software that includes compliance tracking to automate processes and reduce manual errors.
Conduct Regular Audits
Schedule periodic reviews of payroll, benefits, and HR policies to identify and address potential compliance gaps.
Train Your Team
Ensure HR and payroll staff are trained on the latest regulations and know how to apply them in daily operations.
Partner with Experts
Work with HR consultants, like Thread, to navigate complex compliance requirements and implement proactive strategies.
Free Resource: 2025 HR Compliance Calendar
To simplify your planning, download Thread's free 2025 HR Compliance Calendar. This resource includes all major deadlines and helpful reminders to keep your business on track.
Download your calendar now and take the stress out of compliance management!
How Thread Can Help
Thread's HR consulting services provide expert guidance to help businesses stay compliant and prepared. From policy updates to workforce strategy, we tailor our support to meet your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn how Thread can simplify HR compliance for your business in 2025 and beyond.
