2025 Year-End Payroll Reminders
As we approach the end of the year, we want to help you stay ahead of key payroll deadlines and compliance updates. Please review the important holiday schedule, year-end preparation tasks, and IRS updates below to ensure a seamless transition into 2026.
Holiday & Bank Closure Schedule
Please plan payroll processing around the following holiday and bank closure dates to avoid delays in direct deposits and tax filings:
| Date | Holiday | Banks | PayWorks |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 11 | Veterans Day | Closed | Open |
| November 27 | Thanksgiving | Closed | Closed |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Closed | Closed |
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Closed | Closed |
Reminder: If your payroll processes typically occur on a date when banks are closed, please submit your payroll at least one business day in advance.
Year-End Payroll Preparation Checklist
To ensure accurate year-end reporting and timely delivery of W-2s, please take the following steps:
Verify Employee Addresses: Review and update mailing addresses for both active and terminated employees to prevent delays in W-2 delivery.
Submit Outstanding Payroll Items by December 29: If you processed any payroll activity outside of PayWorks (e.g., cash, manual checks, or other compensation), please report it to us no later than Monday, December 29. Timely submission ensures accurate tax reporting and avoids year-end corrections.
Plan Bonus Payrolls: If you plan to issue bonuses in December, please notify your Payroll Specialist in advance so we can assist you in scheduling and processing them correctly, including withholdings and tax timing.
Review Paid-Time-Off Accruals: For companies with PTO or state-mandated sick leave programs, review balances and carryover rules before the end of the year.
If you are unsure about balances and carryover provisions, contact your Account Representative.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We will share more details closer to Thanksgiving, but be aware of upcoming changes:
Several states will implement updated minimum wage rates. You can review current and upcoming minimum wage requirements by state on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
New unemployment tax rates will take effect for states that follow a calendar-year schedule.
States continue to expand Paid Family and Medical Leave programs, with new programs launching and existing rules updating.
State-sponsored retirement plan mandates are continuing to roll out, and employers should review their state’s deadlines and participation rules.
We will share a comprehensive breakdown of requirements next month, allowing you to prepare with confidence.
Government Shutdown & IRS Compliance Update
The IRS has announced that all payroll tax deadlines and deposit requirements will remain in effect, regardless of whether the federal government is operating at full capacity.
Key points to be aware of:
All tax deadlines still apply, including payroll tax deposits
Live IRS phone support is extremely limited
IRS will not respond to taxpayer or preparer correspondence
Paper filings and amended returns may be delayed
Refunds may take longer to be processed
Automated IRS notices will continue, but many IRS employees who typically respond to those notices are on furlough
For more detail, see official IRS guidance: IRS operations limited during lapse in appropriations; regular tax deadlines remain.
If you receive an automated IRS notice during a shutdown period, please forward it to your PayWorks Account Representative. We will assist in addressing it and document attempted responses as needed.
PayWorks is Here to Help
Year-end can be a busy time, but our team is ready to support you at every step. If you have questions or need assistance preparing for year-end payroll, tax filings, or state compliance changes, please get in touch with your PayWorks Account Representative.
Thank you for trusting us with your payroll needs! We look forward to supporting you in a successful 2026.
PayWorks is not providing legal or tax advice. The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal and tax advisors before making any decisions about your financial situation.