With the approach of the holiday season, it's time to think about project planning for the new year. Get a head start by checking out our 2021 HR Planning Calendar; make sure important HR compliance dates don’t slip through the cracks.
You can customize our tool by adding important deadlines, special occasions, and events unique to your organization’s location, culture or industry.
Please look for upcoming blogs which will highlight some of the key changes that you’ll need to consider for 2021, including some related to COVID-19.
Have a fantastic and safe Thanksgiving!
Note: calendar does not include tax or payroll submittals.
1st Quarter:
Verify Minimum Wage Requirements for the new year
Check new thresholds for FLSA Overtime Rule for the new year
Set up all internal systems to reflect new limits, reporting requirements and reset accumulator dates (i.e. vacation/sick balances, 401k limits, etc.)
Post new compliance posters, update required pamphlets and forms
Post a calendar of company holidays and payroll dates for the upcoming year
Submit Payroll taxes and reporting for previous year (Form 940 and Form 941) - January 31st
Distribute W-2s and 1099s - January 31st
Complete ACA (for applicable large employers, “ALEs”) reporting for previous year – distribute 1095-B and 1095-C forms OR 1094-B and 1094-C - March 2nd
-Filing deadline for paper filers - February 28th
-Filing deadline for electronic filers - March 31st
Forms W-4 claiming exemption from withholding for the previous year expire. Request a new Form W-4 from exempt employees (any employee who claimed exemption from income tax withholding last year) - Saturday, February 15th.
OSHA Form 300A (employers with 10+ employees): Maintain calendar year record of all reportable injuries and illnesses incurred during the year
-Use information to prepare OSHA 300A
-Post in a conspicuous location
-Post from February1st – April 30th each year
-Electronically report OSHA 300A data for previous calendar year - March 2nd
Work with benefits broker to ensure that all filing deadlines for benefits plans and health care elements are met (such as quarterly disclosure notices for 401(k) plans, etc.) *These notices will vary based on your plan year and type of plans offered.
Submit Equal Employment Opportunity Report (EEO-1): Employers with 100 or more employees or federal contractors with 50 or more employees - March 31st
Other HR Activities to Consider:
Commence annual (or quarterly) performance management (if not initiated during Q1)
Review of previous year’s goals
Set mutually agreed-upon goals for the year/creating development plans
March 6th – Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day
-Here are some ideas during COVID-19: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/how-to-recognize-remote-employees-during-covid-19
2nd Quarter
Remove OSHA 300 log from posted location - April 30th
File Form 941 filing Deadline for Q1 - April 30th
Other HR Activities to Consider
Apply for H-1B Visas - April 1st
Ensure mandatory training has been completed or scheduled
Get ready to apply mid-year regular changes, e.g., minimum wage, sick leave, etc.
Meet June 30th deadline for CalSavers - June 30th, 2021 for employers with 50 eligible employees AND June 30th, 2022 for employers with five or more employees.
3rd Quarter
Submit Form 5500 for 401k Plans
-DEADLINE: file annually by the last day of the 7th month following the end of the
plan year (July 31st for calendar year plans)
-Summary Annual Report due to participants 9 months after the close of the Plan
Year or 2 months after the due date for Form 5500
Submit VETS-100 form (Federal Contractors only) - September 30th
Submit Form 941 Quarterly Tax Return Filing Deadline for Q2 - July 31st
Other HR Activities to Consider:
For benefit plans that are in a calendar year (effective Jan 1st) – Review plans and market quotes and administer open enrollment
Send reminders to employees to work with their managers to plan use of paid time off
4th Quarter
Complete medicare Part D reporting due (October 15th) and required creditable coverage disclosure notices to Medicare-eligible participants if the employer provides prescription drug coverage
Prepare listing of company observed holidays
Submit Form 941 Quarterly Tax Return Filing Deadline for Q3 - October 31st
Publish training schedule for the next year (sexual harassment, recertifications, etc.)
Review, update and publish employee handbook for compliance
Other HR Activities to Consider:
Audit personnel files and records (including Form I9s)
Send out annual reminder to employees to update their records, emergency contacts, address updates for W-2, etc.
File necessary records and purge outdated records
Consider upcoming local and state minimum wage changes and review budget impact and staffing plans for the upcoming year
Review total compensation, update annual compensation plan and adjust accordingly
For benefit plans that are on a calendar year (effective January 1st) – plan and process for deduction and payroll changes for the upcoming year
Plan for open enrollment for the next year (if your plan year is on a calendar year)
Commence periodic performance management program (if not initiated during Q1)
-Review of previous year goals
-Set mutually agreed upon goals for the year/creating development plans
Please reach out to Edna or your THRM consultant for any support you may need.
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