2025 Year-End Payroll Processing Guide

This guide outlines the necessary steps for successful year-end payroll processing for 2025. It emphasizes the importance of verifying employee and employer information before the December 31 deadline, including confirming Social Security numbers and updating any name or address changes. The guide details the review process for earning and deduction codes on W2 forms to avoid future corrections. It also specifies retirement contribution limits for various plans, including 401(k) and IRA contributions, and notes the upcoming changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act for 2026. Additionally, it includes action items such as sending year-to-date third-party sick payment reports, posting fringe benefits, and ensuring compliance with the Affordable Care Act by submitting required records by January 9, 2026. Employers are advised to register for any new tax accounts and notify Checkwriters of any changes to paid family leave taxes by December 12, 2025. The guide serves as a comprehensive checklist to facilitate accurate and timely year-end filings.