HR Deadlines for February and March 2025 Compliance
As HR professionals move further along in the year, new compliance deadlines for 2025 are on the horizon — especially when maintaining operations. You should know other key February and March dates for tax filings, compliance checks, and HR actions. Read on for a quick synopsis of the key dates and best practices to keep you ahead.
February 2025 Due Dates
February 1, 2025: OSHA Form 300A Posting
What’s Required?
Employers must post OSHA Form 300A: Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses from the previous year in a visible location. While no incidents may have occurred, this Posting is mandatory from February 1 through April 30.
Preparation Tips:
- Verify that your OSHA records are thorough and correct.
- Display in common areas or break rooms.
- If your industry has electronic filing requirements, submit the report electronically before the deadline.
HR Compliance Deadlines: January 2025
February 14, 2025: Update W-4s for Exempt Employees
What’s Required?
Employees must submit a new W-4 claiming exempt status from federal tax withholding on this date.
Preparation Tips:
- Inform employees of this deadline and offer assistance in completing Form W-4.
- Make sure to change your withholding account in payroll systems.
- Add the completed forms (or keep a copy) to your payroll records for compliance.
February 28, 2025: ACA Employer Reporting (Paper Filings)
What’s Required?
Applicable large employers (ALEs) and self-insured employers are required to file paper copies of Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the IRS to report health insurance offered in 2024. Electronic filers have until Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Preparation Tips:
- Ensure employee health insurance records are correct and all forms are accounted for.
- For firms that submit forms electronically, the period until January should be taken as a time to re-prepare and double-check each submission.
March 2025 Compliance Deadlines
March 1, 2025: Send Out Form 1095-C to Employees
Employers must provide form 1095-C to employees. This document describes the health insurance offered in 2024 and assists employees in filing their taxes.
Preparation Tips:
- Guarantee that the form is supplied to all full-time employees, even if they are not enrolled.
- Send out the forms via email or mail with a record of recipients; that way, administrators can enforce requirements.
March 2, 2025: OSHA Form 300A Electronic Submission
What’s Required?
The Injury Tracking Application is where employers in specific industries must electronically submit their OSHA Form 300A. This will be relevant to high-risk industry employers or those with 20 employees.
Preparation Tips:
- Confirm the requirements for electronic submission with your organization on the OSHA website.
- Validate that all injury information is accurate and complete when submitted.
March 15, 2025: Filing Taxes for S Corporations and Partnerships
What’s Required?
S corporations and partnerships that operate on a calendar year must file 2024 tax returns (Form 1120-S for S corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships).
Preparation Tips:
- Work with your finance or tax team for proper reporting.
- File for an extension with Form 7004 to avoid penalties if necessary.
March 15, 2025: Corrective Distributions for Failed ADP/ACP Tests
What’s Required?
Plan sponsors must make corrective distributions for a 2024 failed 401(k) nondiscrimination test by this date or face a 10% excise tax.
Preparation Tips:
- Test your plan as soon as possible to detect problems.
- Make any necessary corrective actions with your retirement plan administrator.
Stay Ahead of Deadlines with the Below Best Practices
- Leverage Technology: Use compliance tracking software or digital calendars to remind you of significant deadlines.
- Communicate Early: Tell your team and stakeholders about deadlines.
- Partner with Experts: Work with legal, tax, and compliance partners to ensure accuracy and adherence to requirements.
- Conduct Regular Audits: Each quarter, revisit your compliance processes to minimize the chances of anything slipping through the cracks.
Final Thoughts
As we head into the second month (and the first month!) of 2025, HR compliance deadlines in February and March increasingly center on OSHA reporting, tax filings, and employee notifications. With a focus on being proactive and utilizing technology, HR professionals can navigate these deadlines effectively with clear communication. Ideally, meeting such demands assures employers’ compliance with the law and represents building trust among employees and shareholders. Develop this strategy now so your company remains compliant and prepared for the coming months!
