Year-End Payroll Guide
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Verify the following information for your company:
- Tax Ids
- Legal name
- Legal address
- Federal, state, and local (if applicable) tax identification numbers
- State unemployment rates
Check with your provider to see if you have access to this information in your Quarterly Tax Packet. If you find an error, let your provider know so they can help you correct it.
Audit employee data to ensure you do not miss critical Form W-2 information like complete Social Security numbers, employee names, and addresses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may impose a penalty for each Form W-2 with a missing or incorrect Social Security number or employee name. If there are errors, you would then be subject to the following penalties:
Large Businesses with Gross Receipts of More Than $5 Million
Time Returns Files/Provided | Up to 30 Days Late | 31 Days Late Through August 1 | After August 1 or Not Filed | Intentional Disregard |
---|---|---|---|---|
Due 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2022 | $50 per return or statement | $110 per return or statement –
| $280 per return or statement –
| $570 per return or statement –
|
$556,500 maximum
| $1,669,500 maximum | $3,339,000 maximum | No limitation |
Small Businesses with Gross Receipts $5 Million or Less
Time Returns Files/Provided | Up to 30 Days Late | 31 Days Late Through August 1 | After August 1 or Not Filed | Intentional Disregard |
---|---|---|---|---|
Due 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2022 | $50 per return or statement –
$194,500 maximum | $110 per return or statement –
$556,500 maximum | $280 per return or statement –
$1,113,000 maximum | $570 per return or statement –
No limitation |
Last updated 6/13/22 on the IRS website
The maximum penalty differs for small and large businesses, and there is no maximum penalty for intentional disregard. See the IRS’ website for more details.
Furthermore, employee information on Forms W-2 and 1095-C must match social security cards. For example, the IRS will return a Form W-2 as an error if an employee’s name is hyphenated on their social security card but not on their W-2 or 1095-C. Failure to verify this information as correct may result in penalties.
If you are not careful, these types of errors can add up to a sizable penalty. Employers can garner updated addresses from a new W-4 if an employee’s withholding allowances have changed or will change next year. Remind employees to fill out a new W-4 if their situation has changed:
- Ensure employee names are entered correctly.
- Confirm the accuracy of employee addresses.
- Confirm the accuracy of employee Social Security numbers.
Employers need to make sure all employee data is accurate so that they can avoid W-2 reprint fees. Employers who use a payroll processing company may have an online service where employees can review and correct data. If so, encourage your employees to use it as a means to review and edit critical data.
W-2 and 1099-NEC Filing Deadlines
Due Date | Deadline |
---|---|
January 31st | Supply W-2s to employees and ex-employees who worked in 2022. Supply 1099s to independent contractors who worked in 2022 and other payees.
|
January 31st | e-File or file paper W-2s and 1099s.
|
It is recommended you distribute W-2s and 1099s before the due dates. Mail or e-File copies of Forms W-2 and 1099 with government agencies. Send W-2s and W-3s to the Social Security Administration. Submit 1099s along with Form 1096 to the IRS. You may also have to mail or e-File copies of these forms to a specific state(s) and any state transmittal forms required, so check the requirements. Many localities also require copies of informational returns, so double-check this as well.
Form 940 Filing Deadlines
Due Date | Deadline |
---|---|
January 31st | Submit Form 940 and deposit FUTA if your company owes any remaining amount.
If you deposited all the FUTA tax when due, then you have ten additional calendar days to file Form 940.
|
Submit Form 940 for Federal Unemployment Insurance (FUTA). The FUTA tax rate is 0.6 percent, which applies to the first $7,000 in wages you pay each employee during the year. However, if you do not pay your state unemployment taxes on time, your FUTA rate will increase to 6.0 percent.
For additional information, please visit our FUTA Credit Reduction page. If your company owes more than $500 in FUTA tax for the calendar year, you must deposit at least one quarterly payment. View the IRS’s Publication 940 Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return for more information.
Something to Consider: If your company is filing 250 or more Form W-2s, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires electronic filing unless granted a waiver. You may file electronic W-2s using the SSA’s Business Services Online (BSO) website. There is no charge for this service, and you can register online.
Determine if you had 50 or more full-time and full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in the previous calendar year and what type of insurance (self-insured or fully insured) you offered. If your provider offers an FTE Calculator, you can use it to determine how many full-time and FTE employees you had in the previous calendar year. Using this number and the type of coverage you offer, determine what forms you must use to report:
- 50 or More Employees: Complete and file Forms 1095-C and 1094-C.
- Less Than 50 Employees (Self-Insured): Complete and file Forms 1095-B and 1094-B.
- Less Than 50 Employees (Fully Insured): Insurer is responsible for filing on behalf of the employer.
- Less Than 50 Employees (No Insurance): Reporting is not required.
Note: Each employer is subject to reporting when the combined total of full-time and FTE employees in a controlled group is 50 or more.
If you are required to report, gather the information you need to complete the applicable forms and determine which reporting method you will be using. Depending on how you report, you will need to compile data, including:
- The employee’s name, SSN, or date of birth (if SSN is unavailable), and address
- The employer’s name, EIN, telephone number, and address
- The months in which the employer offered coverage
- The employee’s share of the monthly premium for self-only coverage (in some instances).
- The months in which a safe harbor (or other situation) applied (i.e., the employee was not a full-time employee)
ACA Annual Reporting Deadlines
Due Date | Deadline |
---|---|
January 31st* (automatic extension to March 2nd) | Supply Forms 1095-C to employees.
|
February 28th* | File paper Forms 1095-C with transmittal Form 1094-C.**
|
March 31st* | e-File Forms 1095-C with transmittal Form 1094-C.**
|
Small Businesses with Gross Receipts $5 Million or Less
Time Returns Files/Provided | Not More Than 30 Days | 31 Days Late – August 1 | After August 1 – Not at All | Intentional Disregard |
---|---|---|---|---|
Due 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2022 | $50 per return or statement –
$194,500 maximum | $110 per return or statement –
$556,500 maximum | $270 per return or statement –
$1,113,000 maximum | $550 per return or statement –
No limitation |
*Employers that file 250+ information returns with the IRs are required to file them electronically.
**Filers can obtain a 30-day extension with the IRS by submitting Form 8809 by the filing due date.
How APS Can Help
APS’ Affordable Care Act solution makes it easy to manage ACA compliance and reporting with features including part-time staff management, measurement period management, and e-filing of Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.
Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11, and a federal holiday. Adjust your payroll processing accordingly to prevent delays.
Review employee classifications regularly to ensure compliance. Refer to the duties tests and guidance provided by the Department of Labor to manage your employee classification.
Before you process your last payroll of 2022, verify you have recorded and properly taxed all non-cash and cash income on the W-2 and quarterly 941 tax return. Typical W-2 adjustments include:
- Group-term life insurance over $50,000
- Personal use of a company vehicle
- Third-party sick pay
- Company provided transportation or parking
- Non-qualified moving expense reimbursements
- Non-accountable business expense reimbursements or allowances
- Bonuses and other annual incentive pay
- Employer-paid education not related to the employee’s job
- Non-cash payments
S CORPORATIONS
Another common year-end adjustment is employer-paid health insurance for subchapter S shareholders who own at least two percent of the company. Although adjusting a W-2 record to reflect this amount is relatively easy, it’s best to include it with a payroll run. This process ensures reporting on the applicable quarterly and yearly payroll tax returns. View the IRS requirements for subchapter S filing to ensure your company reports correctly.
Contributions 401(k), 403(b), or SIMPLE retirement plans cannot exceed IRS limits. The limits are as follows:
Type of Retirement Plan | 2023 Limits* | 2022 Limits |
---|---|---|
401(k) Elective Deferrals | $22,500 | $20,500
|
403(b) Elective Deferrals | $22,500 | $20,500
|
SIMPLE Employee Deferrals | $15,500 | $14,000
|
Catch-Up Contribution for Employees 50 Years and Older | $7,500 | $6,500
|
Record any employee checks issued outside the normal payroll process and pay their tax liabilities on the applicable due dates. Confirm that all “manual checks” cut during the year have been accounted for and updated. Likewise, record all voided checks.
Some payroll checks cut throughout the year may not have been cashed. These checks should not be voided in the payroll system but should instead be considered unclaimed property and reported to the appropriate state agency. The unclaimed property office may be a division of your state’s department of revenue or treasurer’s office.
To recap:
- Account for manual checks written during 2022.
- Confirm that all voided checks have been recorded.
- Report uncashed checks to the appropriate state agency as unclaimed property.
If your company operates in a state subject to higher taxes under FUTA, you will pay higher FUTA taxes per employee. It is essential to plan now for the funding of this additional tax. You can view an estimate of your total FUTA payment by checking your 2022 IRS form 940. For current FUTA credit reduction information, visit our website.
Third-party sick pay is a disability insurance benefit that provides employees with partial or full-wage benefit payments in the event of an injury or illness that prevents the employee from working. These payments are not made through the employer but through an insurance company, union plan, or a state temporary disability plan.
Make sure to submit the total amount of any temporary disability payments your employees received in 2021 to your payroll provider no later than December 31, 2022. You can use the third-party sick pay statement you received from your carrier for reporting purposes.
A fringe benefit is considered a form of payment for the performance of services. For example, you provide an employee with a fringe benefit when allowing the employee to use a business vehicle for personal use. Any fringe benefits you provide are taxable and must be included in the recipient’s pay unless the law expressly excludes it.
You must report the value of fringe benefits as taxable income unless the law expressly excludes it. Fringe benefits are subject to taxes, and employers must include the amounts on Form W-2 in boxes 1, 3, and 5. The amount will also be listed as a memo in box 16.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 24, and a federal holiday. Adjust your payroll processing accordingly to prevent delays.
Year-End Tips
Why it Pays to Check Social Security Information
The Social Security Administration (SSA) charges a fee to correct wages posted incorrectly to the wrong individual. To help avoid filing incorrect SSNs, check out the free verification tool the SSA provides on their website.
Furthermore, the IRS requires that employee Forms W-2 and 1095-C must match what is printed on social security cards. For example, if an employee’s name is hyphenated on their social security card, but not on their Form W-2 or Form 1095-C, the IRS will return this as an error. Failure to verify this information is correct may result in penalties.
Large Companies: Consider Electronically Filing Your W-2s
If your company is filing 250 or more Form W-2s, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires electronic filing unless a waiver has been granted. You may file electronic W-2s using the SSA’s Business Services Online (BSO) website. There is no charge for this service and you can register online.
Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief
Special tax law provisions may help businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes. Visit the IRS website for more information.
Before Processing Last Payroll
Audit employee data to ensure you do not miss critical Form W-2 information like complete Social Security numbers, employee names, and addresses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may impose a penalty for each Form W-2 with a missing or incorrect Social Security number or employee name. If there are errors, you would then be subject to the following penalties:
Large Businesses with Gross Receipts of More Than $5 Million
Time Returns Files/Provided | Up to 30 Days Late | 31 Days Late Through August 1 | After August 1 or Not Filed | Intentional Disregard |
---|---|---|---|---|
Due 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2022 | $50 per return or statement | $110 per return or statement –
| $280 per return or statement –
| $570 per return or statement –
|
$556,500 maximum
| $1,669,500 maximum | $3,339,000 maximum | No limitation |
Small Businesses with Gross Receipts $5 Million or Less
Time Returns Files/Provided | Up to 30 Days Late | 31 Days Late Through August 1 | After August 1 or Not Filed | Intentional Disregard |
---|---|---|---|---|
Due 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2022 | $50 per return or statement –
$194,500 maximum | $110 per return or statement –
$556,500 maximum | $280 per return or statement –
$1,113,000 maximum | $570 per return or statement –
No limitation |
Last updated 6/13/22 on the IRS website
The maximum penalty differs for small and large businesses, and there is no maximum penalty for intentional disregard. See the IRS’ website for more details.
Furthermore, employee information on Forms W-2 and 1095-C must match social security cards. For example, the IRS will return a Form W-2 as an error if an employee’s name is hyphenated on their social security card but not on their W-2 or 1095-C. Failure to verify this information as correct may result in penalties.
If you are not careful, these types of errors can add up to a sizable penalty. Employers can garner updated addresses from a new W-4 if an employee’s withholding allowances have changed or will change next year. Remind employees to fill out a new W-4 if their situation has changed:
- Ensure employee names are entered correctly.
- Confirm the accuracy of employee addresses.
- Confirm the accuracy of employee Social Security numbers.
Employers need to make sure all employee data is accurate so that they can avoid W-2 reprint fees. Employers who use a payroll processing company may have an online service where employees can review and correct data. If so, encourage your employees to use it as a means to review and edit critical data.
W-2 and 1099-NEC Filing Deadlines
Due Date | Deadline |
---|---|
January 31st | Supply W-2s to employees and ex-employees who worked in 2022. Supply 1099s to independent contractors who worked in 2022 and other payees. |
January 31st | e-File or file paper W-2s and 1099s. |
It is recommended you distribute W-2s and 1099s before the end of January. Mail or e-File copies of Forms W-2 and 1099 with government agencies. Send W-2s and W-3s to the Social Security Administration. Submit 1099s along with Form 1096 to the IRS. You may also have to mail or e-File copies of these forms to a specific state(s), along with any state transmittal forms required, so check the requirements. Many localities also require copies of informational returns, so double-check this as well.
Form 940 Filing Deadlines
Due Date | Deadline |
---|---|
January 31st | Submit Form 940 and deposit FUTA if your company owes any remaining amount.
If you deposited all the FUTA tax when due, then you have ten additional calendar days to file Form 940.
|
Submit Form 940 for Federal Unemployment Insurance (FUTA). The FUTA tax rate is 0.6 percent, which applies to the first $7,000 in wages you pay each employee during the year. However, if you do not pay your state unemployment taxes on time, your FUTA rate will increase to 6.0 percent.
For most states, the computation date used to determine SUI tax rates for the 2023 calendar year is June 30, 2022.
Because of the unprecedented volume of initial claims during the COVID pandemic, the accumulation of benefits may significantly impact calendar year 2023 rates. You must provide any rate change notices you receive to your provider as soon as possible.
If you have determined you need to report, review your information to avoid any errors. If your payroll provider offers ACA reporting with an error-checking algorithm, you can automatically perform the following tasks:
- Complete your Form 1094-C.
- Import and populate your 1095-C data.
- Review your 1095-C forms, make edits, correct any conflicts, or manually add a 1095-C.
- Approve and print your 1094-C and 1095-C forms for distribution to employees and reporting to the IRS.
How APS Can Help
The APS Affordable Care Act Solution makes it easy to manage ACA compliance and reporting with features including part-time staff management, measurement period management, and e-filing of Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.
Verify that all non-cash and cash income has been recorded and taxed properly so that it can be reported on the W-2 and the quarterly 941 tax return. Common W-2 adjustments include:
- Group-term life insurance in excess of $50,000.
- Personal use of company vehicle.
- Third-party sick pay.
- Company provided transportation or parking.
- Non-qualified moving expense reimbursements.
- Non-accountable business expense reimbursements or allowances.
- Bonuses and other annual incentive pay.
- Employer-paid education not related to the employee’s job.
Non-cash payments. Another common year-end adjustment is employer-paid health insurance for subchapter S shareholders who own at least two percent of the company. Although it is fairly easy to adjust a W-2 record to reflect this amount, it is always best to include it with a payroll run to ensure that it is reported on the applicable quarterly and yearly payroll tax returns. View the IRS requirements for subchapter S filing to make sure your company is reporting correctly.
Review employee classifications regularly to ensure compliance. Refer to the duties tests and guidance provided by the Department of Labor to manage your employee classification.
Any employee checks issued outside of the regular payroll process must be recorded and their tax liabilities paid in accordance with the applicable due dates. Confirm that all “manual checks” cut during the year have been accounted for and updated in the system. Likewise, all voided checks should be recorded.
Some payroll checks cut throughout the year may not have been cashed. These checks should not be voided in the payroll system, but should instead be considered unclaimed property and reported to the appropriate state agency. The unclaimed property office may be a division of your state’s department of revenue or treasurer’s office.
To recap:
- Account for manual checks written during 2020.
- Confirm that all voided checks have been recorded.
- Report uncashed checks to the appropriate state agency as unclaimed property.
Christmas Day is Sunday December 25. The federal holiday is observed on Monday, December 26. Adjust your payroll processing accordingly to prevent delays.
Before December 31, 2022
To give people a needed temporary financial boost, the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allowed employers to defer payment of the employer’s share of Social Security tax. You should have received an IRS Notice LTR3064C indicating the balance due and payment dates for each applicable period.
Employers can make deferral payments through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by credit or debit card, money order, or with a check. These payments must be separate from other tax payments to ensure they are applied to the deferred payroll tax balance. IRS systems won’t recognize the payment if it’s included with other tax payments or sent as a deposit.
EFTPS has a new option to select deferral payment and change the date to the applicable tax period. A separate notice was sent for each period, along with a coupon to send with payments by mail. Please visit the IRS’ website for more information.
Check with your payroll provider to find out the last day you can submit the final 2022 payrolls to avoid penalties and interest charges. Review your W-2s to verify the following information before processing your last payroll of the year:
- The spelling of employees’ names
- Social security numbers
- Addresses
- Wages
Many companies issue bonuses for company performance. If you are issuing bonuses and withholding retirement deductions, ensure the deduction does not exceed the annual limit. It is also crucial to process bonuses before the end of 2022, so tax payments are made on time to avoid penalties.
If you must process another payroll before the end of the year, you will have to review your company, employee, and contractor totals again.
Remember: Earnings and deductions for payments received in the next year for days worked in the current year are reflected in the new year. Payroll taxes are based on the date wages are paid.
Close the quarter and file Form 941 Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return by January 31, 2022. Wrap up calendar year 2021 and prepare to process payroll in 2023. Print and mail W-2s and 1099s to employees and contractors.
Report employee income and withholding amounts to employees, ex-employees who worked in calendar year 2022, and government agencies using Form W-2. Use Form 1099s to report the income paid to independent contractors and other payees.
New Year’s Day is Sunday, January 1. The federal holiday is observed on Monday, January 2. Adjust your payroll processing accordingly to prevent delays.
Year-End Tips
Is the Minimum Wage Rate Changing in Your State?
The federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 an hour. To see what the minimum wage is in your state, visit our Minimum Wage Rates by State.
Are You Prepared for ACA Annual Reporting?
Did you know there are 18 potential conflicts between lines 14 and 16 on the Form 1095-C? An ACA reporting solution with an error-checking algorithm ensures codes are valid and data is formatted correctly for reporting to the IRS. Learn more about Form 1095-C reporting codes.
Are You Eligible for Disaster Assistance
and Emergency Relief?
Special tax law provisions may help businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes. Visit the IRS website for more information.
Before Your First 2023 Payroll
The first payroll of the year is an opportune time to review and update your employee deductions. Don’t forget to check deductions like:
- Medical
- Dental
- Life Insurance
- Retirement deductions – 401(k), 403(b)
- Other voluntary deductions
Retirement plan regular and catch-up contributions will deduct automatically from the first payroll for 2023. Review your retirement plans, report any changes needed, and submit those updates with your first payroll for 2023.
Make sure you wrap up ACA annual reporting and filing to avoid penalties for late or incomplete paperwork:
- Failure to file complete and accurate Forms 1094-C by the form deadlines will result in penalties equal to $270 per return.
- Failure to file and provide correct information on Form 1095-C could result in a $270 penalty per return.
Click here to get complete Minimum Wage Rates by state. Contact your payroll provider if any changes apply to your business.
Click here to get complete SUTA Wage Bases by state. Contact your payroll provider if any changes apply to your business.
If you receive a new state unemployment insurance rate notice for 2022, please send it to your payroll provider for updating.
Second Week of January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 16, and a federal holiday. Adjust your payroll processing accordingly to prevent delays.
End of January 2023
If your employees are receiving paper copies only, communicate when they can expect to obtain their Form W-2s in the mail. If you have the option to provide your employees with online access to their W-2s, let them know how they can access their copies.
January 31, 2023, is the deadline to file Forms W-2 and 1099-NEC by paper or electronically. The deadline is also to distribute W-2s to your employees and 1099-NECs to independent contractors.
Employers must file Form 1099-NEC for non-employees paid compensation of $600.00 or more (including fees, commissions, prizes, and awards) during the year, like independent contractors. 1099-NECs are filed with Form 1096 each year. Form 1099-MISC is now primarily used to report miscellaneous income like rent or payments to an attorney.
January 31, 2023, is the deadline to file your 1099s with Form 1096.
Employers must file Form 1099-NEC for non-employees paid compensation of $600.00 or more (including fees, commissions, prizes, and awards) during the year, like independent contractors. 1099-NECs are filed with Form 1096 each year. Form 1099-MISC is now primarily used to report miscellaneous income like rent or payments to an attorney.
January 31, 2023, is the deadline to distribute W-2s to your employees and 1099s to contractors.
January 31, 2023, is the deadline to distribute Forms 1095-C to your employees.
If additional funds are required for your Federal Unemployment, check with your payroll provider to determine when your account will be debited.
End of February 2023
February 28, 2023, is the deadline to file paper Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. If you are filing electronically, you have until March 31, 2023, to file.
Year-End Tips
You’re Almost Done with Year-End Processing!
Make sure you distribute Form W-2s to your employees by January 31, 2023.
What’s Your Plan for ACA Reporting Next Year?
If ACA compliance and reporting was a headache this past year, make 2023 the year of change! Take the complexity out of ACA compliance and reporting with a solution that unifies your human capital management processes.
Are You Eligible for Disaster Assistance
and Emergency Relief?
Special tax law provisions may help businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes. Visit the IRS website for more information.
YEAR-END RESOURCES
Year-End Payroll Checklist
Use this checklist to keep track of your important year-end payroll tasks.
SUTA Wage Bases
Find out what your SUTA wage base is for the new year.
FUTA Credit Reduction States
Check to see if your state has a FUTA credit reduction.
Payroll Taxes: Rates and Changes
Stay up-to-date on payroll tax changes from year to year.
Minimum Wage Rates
Look to see what the current minimum wage rates are for each state.
ACA Reporting and Compliance
Use this handy guide for navigating the year-end ACA reporting and compliance.
APS SOlutions for your business
Benefits Administration with Carrier Connections – Easily conduct online enrollment, submit information to your plan providers, and adjust benefits plans as needed.
Manager and Employee Self Service – Save time and empower your managers and employees with online access to their payroll information.
APS Hire – Attract, hire, and onboard top talent with our recruiting and onboarding solution.
YEAR-END LINKS
- 2022 General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3
- Employment Tax Due Dates
- FUTA Credit Reductions
- About Form 940 Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
- SSA Business Services Online Registration
- IRS Information Reporting by Applicable Large Employers
- IRS S Corporations
- IRS About Publication 15-B, Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits
- Minimum Wage Rates
- SUTA Wage Bases
- What Employers Need to Know About Repayment of Deferred Payroll Taxes
- Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns