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Simplify Your Year-End HR To-Do List

Close out payroll, benefits, and compliance with a simple, step-by-step plan. Download the HR Year-End Checklist and start next year organized and confident.

Your Challenges

HR Roadblocks to Clear Before the New Year

Finish strong, start stronger. The end of the year piles on payroll tasks, benefits updates, and compliance deadlines all at once. It’s easy to lose track of what comes first, who owns what, and which forms are due when. This checklist gives you a clear plan so you can move work forward with less stress.

Mask group Save Time Follow a proven sequence, cut back-and-forth, and spend less time chasing tasks.  
Reduce risk Reduce risk Track filings, notices, and plan updates in one place to cut surprises and mistakes.  
Improve clarity. Improve clarity Share one source of truth with HR, finance, and leaders for alignment.  
Stay on schedule Stay on schedule Work from a timeline of due dates, reminders, and owners to stay on track.  
What You’ll Get

Inside the HR Year-End Checklist

A practical checklist that turns the year-end marathon into a clear plan. It covers the essentials, highlights key deadlines, and keeps tasks moving so nothing slips.

Benefits and Open Enrollment

Confirm plan details, key dates, and eligibility rules, then line up notices and employee messages. Use the checklist to organize tasks by audience, channel, and deadline, so enrollments move smoothly and records stay accurate.
HR and Employee Data Audit

Verify employee profiles, tax forms, classifications, and PTO balances, and close out terminated records. Clean data makes payroll, benefits, and reporting faster, more reliable, and easier to manage next year.
Workers’ Comp and Safety

Review incident logs, training completion, and return-to-work plans, and prepare documentation for carrier audits. Confirm job classifications and payroll estimates to help keep premiums aligned with your actual risk.
Strategic and Financial Planning

Assess what worked, where you lost time, and what to improve, then align budget, headcount plans, and policy updates. Build a simple calendar for next year and share it with stakeholders, so everyone starts on the same page.
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Why It Works

Structure That Keeps Work Moving

The checklist breaks work into focused sections, from filings and open enrollment to data audits and risk management. It also includes prompts to review your HR approach, align stakeholders, and set goals for the year ahead.

FAQ

Your Questions Answered

What should be included in a year-end HR checklist?

A strong year-end HR checklist covers compliance and tax filings, benefits review, employee data audits, workers’ comp, and planning for the year ahead. Each section helps ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Our checklist organizes every step into an easy-to-follow resource that helps HR teams finish strong and start fresh.
Why is year-end such a busy time for HR?

Year-end means wrapping up payroll, benefits, and compliance—all while preparing for next year. It’s a demanding season that requires precision and planning. Our checklist helps you stay organized, compliant, and ready to take on what’s next with confidence.
How early should HR teams start preparing for the year-end task?

Start planning early in the fourth quarter to stay ahead of tight deadlines and reduce stress. Early preparation allows time to audit data, verify compliance, and finalize filings. Our checklist helps HR leaders stay proactive, not reactive.
What HR compliance tasks should be completed before year-end?

Complete all payroll and tax filings, distribute W-2s and 1099s, confirm ACA compliance, and verify worker classifications. These tasks protect your business from costly errors. Our checklist makes it easy to stay compliant every step of the way.
How can HR ensure accurate employee and payroll data before year-end?

Conduct a full data audit to confirm employee information, PTO balances, and performance documentation. PEO technology simplifies this by centralizing your HR and payroll data. Our checklist breaks it down into simple, actionable steps.
What role does workers' compensation play in year-end HR planning?

Reconciling workers’ comp premiums, reviewing safety reports, and checking for refunds should all be part of year-end prep. Many PEOs, including CoAdvantage, simplify this process with built-in coverage and safety support. Our checklist helps you protect your people and your business.
How can a PEO help with year-end HR tasks?

A PEO takes the complexity out of year-end by managing payroll, benefits, and compliance. They provide expert support, easy-to-use tools, and peace of mind. Our checklist highlights how partnering with a PEO keeps your HR running smoothly year-round.
Is the year-end HR checklist free to download?

Yes! The CoAdvantage Year-End HR Checklist is completely free to download. It’s your go-to resource for saving time, staying compliant, and starting the new year strong.
Get Started

Download the HR Year-End Checklist

Finish the year with a clear plan. The HR Year-End Checklist outlines key tasks for payroll, benefits, and compliance, highlights important dates, and helps your team stay organized. Download the free PDF, share it with stakeholders, and use it as your step-by-step guide.

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