2025 Year End Guide

FlexChecks 2025 Year-End Guide

Message from the President

Dear Valued Client,

I want to personally thank you for trusting FlexChecks with your payroll needs in 2025. Working with outstanding clients like you—and backed by our exceptional team—makes it a privilege to deliver the reliable services and tools you count on every day.

Whether you’re a longtime FlexChecks partner or wrapping up your first year-end with us, please review this information carefully. Your prompt attention will help us process W-2s efficiently, so your employees receive them right after the start of the new year.

Thank you again for your loyalty and confidence this past year. We’re excited to keep supporting you in 2026 and beyond. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team.

Diane Pelak
President

FlexChecks Holiday Schedule

IMPORTANT: Payrolls must be submitted at least 2 business days in advance of the check date, taking weekends & Holidays into consideration.

We provide time off for the Holidays for our outstanding, committed staff so they can spend time with family and friends. When submitting payrolls during the Holidays, keep in mind that payrolls should be submitted to FlexChecks at least two (2) business days in advance (taking Federal Reserve Holidays into consideration). ** IMPORTANT: If your payroll check date is normally Thursday, it will be moved for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day to either the Wednesday before or the Friday after, depending on your setup. To confirm, navigate in isolved to Payroll Run Schedule. We are requiring all payrolls with check date 12/24/2025 to be submitted by 10 AM on Monday, December 22nd** If your payroll is NOT received two business days in advance, your direct deposits may be delayed until the day after your scheduled payroll date (to allow the Federal Reserve two (2) days to process). If you need next day direct deposits, please reach out to your Client C.A.R.E. Team Leader.

  • Thanksgiving: Thu, Nov 27, 2025 – CLOSED
  • Day after Thanksgiving: Fri, Nov 28, 2025 – CLOSED
  • Christmas Eve: Wed, Dec 24, 2025 – CLOSED at NOON
  • Christmas Day: Thu, Dec 25, 2025 – CLOSED
  • New Year’s Day: Thu, Jan 1, 2026 – CLOSED

Note: UPS Next Day Air recommended for year-end shipments. Contact your Client C.A.R.E. Team Leader for details.

Client Processing Deadlines

Standard Deadlines
  • Payrolls need to be submitted at least two banking days in advance.
  • Payrolls with $100,000+ federal tax liability will require a wire.
  • Payrolls with $100,000 or more in Net Pay to a single direct deposit account will require a wire.
Year-End Adjustment Cut-off

December 29, 2025 @ 3:00 PM – Last day to submit 2025 adjustments.

Adjustments after this date result in W-2c and amendments. Blackout: Dec 29 @ 3 PM – Jan 9, 2026.

Any and all adjustments to your 2025 payroll must be completed by your final payroll of the year. This allows us to process your Forms W-2 following your final payroll. When your final scheduled 2025 payroll is processed, your quarter and year will be closed, and we will process your forms W-2. Please note – You may request that we HOLD your W-2’s for an additional cost. If we receive an adjustment after your final payroll, but prior to December 31, 2025, you will be assessed additional fees. If we receive changes to 2025 AFTER December 31, 2025, you will be assessed fees, and additionally will be required to sign a liability agreement, stating that you understand the implications and the potential tax penalties you could receive..

IF YOU ANTICIPATE NEEDING TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AFTER DECEMBER 31, PLEASE COMPLETE OUR 2025 PAYROLL ADJUSTMENT FORM AND SEND TO US IMMEDIATELY!

Generally, wages include all non-cash payments, fringe benefits, tips and other compensation (whether or not withholding was deducted at the time of payment). Below you will find a list of common payments that must be included in W-2 wages:

  • Manual checks: If you paid employees net pay outside a normal payroll run that has not been forwarded to our office for inclusion with a regular payroll, be sure to forward the information to our office before your final payroll for 2025
  • Non-cash payments: Employers that provide taxable non-cash fringe benefits to their employees must include the cash value of such benefits as wages. One of the most common fringes is personal use of a company vehicle. It is fully taxable. Please report this to FlexChecks no later than your last payroll of the year. Contact your accountant for the calculation, or click HERE to view the IRS’s Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits.
  • Group-term life insurance in excess of $50,000.
  • Non-qualified moving expense reimbursement.
  • Third-party sick pay: If you have not reported ANY 3rd party Sick Pay benefits to FlexChecks for 2025, you should contact your provider to confirm they will be handling all filings including processing of W-2 and any federal and state returns. If you have processed 3rd Party Sick Pay benefits with FlexChecks for 2025, any portion still to be included as income must be submitted no later than your last payroll of the year. We suggest you allow FlexChecks to include the information on W-2’s and to notify your provider that it will be handled in that manner. If you choose for your provider to complete the W-2 reporting, you will be responsible for all necessary filings.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions: All amounts contributed to an HSA need to be reported. This includes amounts deducted from the employee as well as employer contributions. If you made contributions for employees and have not included them as a benefit through payroll, please contact us so we can add the amounts paid.
  • Non-accountable business expenses, reimbursements, or allowances: Payments made under reimbursement arrangements that use per diem or mileage allowances do not have to be reported on Form W-2 UNLESS they compensate more than the IRS specified rates. The excess amount paid is fully taxable and must be reported to FlexChecks by your final payroll of 2025. If you have any questions relating to business expenses, please contact FlexChecks directly.
  • Deferred Compensation Plans: In general, amounts deferred to Section 457 plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans with a substantial risk of forfeiture become taxable for FICA and FUTA when the employee becomes vested (the employee’s substantial risk of forfeiture lapses). This is not necessarily in the same year that the wages were earned. When an employee becomes vested, please provide your Client CARE Team Leader with the following information:
  • The date the employee became vested.
  • The amount of employee and employer current year’s contributions before the vested date.
  • The total amount of employee’s and employer’s current year contributions for prior years.
  • The amount of employee FICA you collected on the employee and employer contributions.
  • When a vested employee receives a distribution, please report the following to your Client CARE Team Leader:
  • The distribution amount.
  • Whether this is a partial or full distribution.
  • The amount of federal tax withheld on the distribution.
  • If the distribution is attributed to employee or employer contributions.
  • S-Corp Health Insurance: Health and accident insurance premiums paid on behalf of a greater than 2% S Corporation shareholder must be reported on Form W-2, and are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. They are not subject to FICA or FUTA taxes. The shareholder is eligible for a deduction for premiums paid on their individual income tax return if certain requirements are met
  • Bonus Checks

    Bonuses must be processed with a 2025 check date to be included on 2025 W-2s.

    If you plan to process bonus checks for year-end, please be aware of the following:

    • Bonus checks can be effective on the same day as your normal payroll.
    • Bonus checks can be effective on a day different than your normal payroll.

    Bonus runs can include adjustments to normal payroll as follows:

    • Deductions & Benefits: You can specify which deductions or benefits you would like calculated.
    • Paid time off: You can specify if you want paid time off calculated.
    • Direct Deposit: You can choose to have direct deposits or not (on any or all bonus checks).
    • Withholding: You can specify how you would like taxes withheld, or calculate at normal rates.
    • Gross-up option: Bonus checks can be grossed up (you give us the net, we determine the gross amount).

    All of the above can be transmitted to FlexChecks by using our Miscellaneous Payroll Form — click below to open the form instantly:

    IMPORTANT: Any net pay bonus over $100,000 to one individual will need to be wired or submitted 5 business days in advance.

    Special Information about Bonus Payrolls with federal tax liabilities in excess of $100,000:

    Federal tax liabilities in excess of $100,000 must be deposited by the next banking day after the check date to avoid penalties and interest.

    FlexChecks Tax Service clients must report this payroll to FlexChecks at least five business days prior to the check date.

    In addition, FlexChecks also applies certain restrictions to large bonus payrolls that may require a wire transfer prior to check date. If these restrictions apply to your bonus payroll, FlexChecks will supply you with the necessary wire instructions.

    Pro Tip: Submit your bonus request early — especially for large amounts — to avoid last-minute wire requirements and ensure on-time delivery!

    Manual Checks

    If you paid employees net pay outside a normal payroll run that has not been forwarded to our office for inclusion with a regular payroll, be sure to forward the information to our office before your final payroll for 2025.

    Fringe Benefits

    Employers that provide taxable non-cash fringe benefits to their employees must include the cash value of such benefits as wages. One of the most common fringes is personal use of a company vehicle. It is fully taxable. Please report this to FlexChecks no later than your last payroll of the year.

    IRS Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits

    HSA Contributions

    All amounts contributed to an HSA need to be reported. This includes amounts deducted from the employee as well as employer contributions. If you made contributions for employees and have not included them as a benefit through payroll, please contact us so we can add the amounts paid.

    Third-Party Sick Pay

    If you have not reported ANY 3rd party Sick Pay benefits to FlexChecks for 2025, you should contact your provider to confirm they will be handling all filings including processing of W-2 and any federal and state returns. If you have processed 3rd Party Sick Pay benefits with FlexChecks for 2025, any portion still to be included as income must be submitted no later than your last payroll of the year.

    Deferred Compensation Plans

    In general, amounts deferred to Section 457 plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans with a substantial risk of forfeiture become taxable for FICA and FUTA when the employee becomes vested. When an employee becomes vested, please provide your Client CARE Team Leader with:

    • The date the employee became vested.
    • The amount of employee and employer current year’s contributions before the vested date.
    • The total amount of employee’s and employer’s current year contributions for prior years.
    • The amount of employee FICA you collected on the employee and employer contributions.

    When a vested employee receives a distribution, please report:

    • The distribution amount.
    • Whether this is a partial or full distribution.
    • The amount of federal tax withheld on the distribution.
    • If the distribution is attributed to employee or employer contributions.

    S-Corp Health Insurance

    Health and accident insurance premiums paid on behalf of a greater than 2% S Corporation shareholder must be reported on Form W-2, and are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. They are not subject to FICA or FUTA taxes. The shareholder is eligible for a deduction for premiums paid on their individual income tax return if certain requirements are met.

    Tax Rate Change Notifications

    IRS and State Notifications for 2026 Unemployment rates and tax filing frequencies are mailed to the taxpayer, not to FlexChecks — it is imperative these tax-related communications are forwarded to isolved immediately. We require this information to ensure your taxes are paid accurately and timely in 2026.

    Please note: Late tax payments result in interest and penalty charges.

    If your federal or state tax filing frequency, filing method, and/or tax rate is changed and you don’t notify isolved, we will not be responsible for any penalties or interest that may be charged.

    Year-End Delivery Considerations

    We cannot guarantee timely US Postal Service delivery during the holiday season. We suggest delivery of your payroll by UPS, which is trackable. If you prefer to temporarily change your shipping method, you MUST inform your Client CARE Team Leader. Please see UPS's Year End Shipping guide below.

    UPS Holiday Pickup Schedule

    UPS 2025 Holiday Pickup Schedule
    Please note: UPS Next Day Air charges vary by shipping location and you will be charged accordingly. In order to obtain an estimate of these charges, please contact your Client CARE Team Leader.

    Important Year-End Dates & Office Closures

    Mark your calendar — includes payroll deadlines, office closures, and IRS/filing dates:

    DateEvent / Deadline
    Thu, Nov 27, 2025Thanksgiving – Office CLOSED
    Fri, Nov 28, 2025Day after Thanksgiving – Office CLOSED
    Wed, Dec 24, 2025Christmas Eve – Office CLOSED at NOON
    Thu, Dec 25, 2025Christmas Day – Office CLOSED
    Thu, Jan 1, 2026New Year’s Day – Office CLOSED
    Mon, Jan 9, 2026Last day for 2025 payroll adjustments (5:00 PM ET)
    Wed, Jan 15, 2026W-2s & 1099s available online in portal
    Fri, Jan 16, 20261099 data submission deadline (FlexChecks processing)
    Mon, Jan 19, 20261099 processing begins
    Sat, Jan 31, 2026California 1095-C distribution deadline
    Thu, Jan 31, 2026IRS deadline: Furnish W-2s & 1099s to employees/contractors
    Thu, Feb 5, 2026isolved final ACA approval deadline (guarantees delivery)
    Mon, Mar 31, 2026IRS electronic filing deadline: 1094-C & 1095-C

    Pro Tip: Submit everything EARLY — especially bonuses, 1099 data, and ACA approvals — to avoid rush fees and ensure on-time delivery!

    Audit Tools & W-4 Forms

    Audit Tools – Start NOW!

    Employee W-2 information must be correct — the IRS may charge a penalty for filing W-2 forms with incorrect information.

    We strongly encourage you to start auditing your employee records NOW – before the busy holiday season!

    • Verify the Social Security Number, name, and address for each employee (the name and number must be exactly as it appears on the employee’s Social Security card).
    • Social Security Numbers that are flagged as invalid will appear on all documents as 000-00-0000. This is the employer’s responsibility to correct prior to year-end.
    • Use the following report for auditing purposes:
      Employee W-2 Verification Report
      Reporting > Client Reports > Employee W-2 Verification > Generate Report > Go to My Reports Queue
    • Any updates to name, SSN, or address should be made immediately:
      Employee Management > Employee Maintenance > General

    W-4 Forms – Get Ready for 2026

    The isolved system will not automatically begin any ‘new’ withholding if a W-4 has not been completed in the system.

    We suggest that the employer send a reminder to employees about submitting a new W-4 for 2026.

    Employees currently claiming EXEMPT from withholding must submit a new Form W-4 by February 15, 2026 to maintain that status.

    If the employee’s exempt status changes, a new W-4 must be completed in the system for isolved to calculate and deduct taxes appropriately.

    Also, any employees who have experienced a life event may need to submit a new W-4 due to changes in allowances.

    Tax Forms

    W-2s: Your W-2 billing will be included with your final Payroll invoice of 2025. If you have any questions on your W-2 costs and how this will affect your final payroll, please contact us. FlexChecks will ship your W-2’s, and if you currently use our online payroll portal, they will be available to you electronically as well. As the employer, you have the option to furnish your employees with the paper form that we provide you or you can receive consent for your employees to only receive the forms electronically. For more information, contact us.

    W-2 printing will begin following your final scheduled payroll. If you have requested a W-2 hold for the 2025 year, your W-2’s will be printed following the processing of your adjustment.

    If you’re using iSolved, you can now preview your W-2’s. To do so, go to Reporting – Client Reports and search for “W2”, then choose the Employee W2 Preview. This report will also run automatically with your last scheduled payroll of the year. You can find it in your Report Archive.

    1099s: Let FlexChecks handle your 1099s in just four simple steps — we’ll file with federal & state agencies and mail originals directly to recipients!

    Complete your 1099’s with FlexChecks 1099 Service:

    1. Download our spreadsheet template and enter your data by clicking HERE.
    2. Send us your file using our secure email by clicking HERE.
    3. Receive confirmation that we’ve received your file(s) and exact delivery timing.
    4. FlexChecks electronically files your 1099s with federal and state governments, then mails the originals directly to recipients. You receive a PDF copy for your records.

    Securely Upload Your File Now

    Note: Payments of less than $600 do not require a 1099 (unless paid to an attorney).

    2025/2026 1099 Pricing
    Base Fee$65.00
    Per 1099$8.95

    Deadline: Submit your 1099 data no later than Friday, January 16, 2026 to ensure timely processing.

    1099s will be prepared and filed beginning Monday, January 19, 2026.

    FlexChecks 2025/2026 Fee Guide

    The following fees apply to year-end and special payroll services. All fees are billed with your final 2025 payroll invoice or the applicable payroll run unless otherwise noted.

    Service Fee
    HOLD W-2's$200.00
    W-2 Shipping (minimum)$26.00
    W-2 Copy (per employee)$15.00
    W-2 Correction – name, address, SSN$50.00 each
    W-2 Correction – figures$150.00 each
    1099 Base Fee$65.00
    Per Employee 1099 (minimum)$8.95
    1099 Correction (per form)$100.00
    Re-Open Prior Year for Adjustment$250.00
    Re-Open Prior Quarter$200.00
    Amended Return (per return)$100.00
    Manual Check$15.00
    Off Calendar Run
    (Any payroll or adjustment outside normal schedule)
    Normal Processing Fee + $50.00
    Next Day Direct Deposit$100.00
    Same Day Direct Deposit$250.00
    Void Check – Live$25.00
    Reverse Payroll$50.00

    All fees are subject to change. Contact your Client C.A.R.E. Team Leader for the most current pricing or custom quote.

    ACA Year-End Requirements

    Employers are responsible for two important components of ACA Year-End requirements: Furnishing and Filing.

    You need to furnish individual 1095 forms to all employees who were full-time during 2025. These forms will contain information about:

    • When/if coverage was offered
    • Whether the offered coverage was affordable (based on IRS guidelines)
    • If self-funded, which employees and dependents were covered throughout the year

    Depending on individual state requirements, employees may need this form to provide proof of coverage for tax year 2025.

    FlexChecks will electronically file 1094 & 1095 forms to the IRS ONLY after you have approved your ACA Forms in the system.
    Posting the form in ESS and/or printing of forms only occurs after approval.

    Employer Responsibilities

    It is the employer’s responsibility to:

    • Carefully review and make any necessary corrections
    • Override portions of the forms that cannot be automated
    • Approve ACA forms by the February 5th deadline

    If you do not approve your forms by February 5th – we cannot guarantee delivery or filing to meet the IRS deadline.

    See the Important Deadlines for Reporting below for state-specific deadlines.
    Additional fees will be applied for late approvals.

    Should you have any questions, please reach out to your customer support team for assistance.

    ACA employer IRS filing requirement is not considered complete until you receive confirmation that your ACA files were successfully transmitted to the IRS as either Accepted or Accepted with Errors.

    The isolved ACA team will provide this filing status no later than 06/30/2026.

    Additional ACA Resource

    IRS Q&A – www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/

    Note: It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure 1094 and 1095 information is accurate and up to date.

    Should the files be rejected or come back as “Accepted with Errors”, fees will apply for sending additional corrected files to the IRS.

    1095 billing varies per contract. Billing for ACA charges will occur on the payroll run processed after you ‘Approve’ your forms.

    Forms cannot be filed if they are not ‘Approved’ by a company representative.

    Important Deadlines for Reporting

    DateDeadline Description
    1/1/26Start Approving Forms
    1/15/26FlexChecks deadline for forms approval to guarantee form delivery prior to 1/31
    1/31/26Form distribution deadline for residents of California
    2/5/26FlexChecks deadline for forms approval to guarantee form delivery prior to 3/2
    3/31/26IRS deadline for electronic ACA file submission

    Reporting of Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage: Box 12, Code DD

    The Affordable Care Act requires that employers must report the cost of employer-provided health care coverage on Form W-2.

    • Reporting is mandatory for employers that file 250 or more Forms W-2 during the prior calendar year.
    • The amount reported should include both the amount paid by the employer and the amount paid by the employee for the benefit coverage.
    • Please contact Customer Support to discuss the entry of the employer portion of the health insurance premium.
    • It is the employer’s responsibility to examine the W-2s and verify the amounts in Box 12 Code DD prior to printing.
    Review W-2s prior to December 31st and contact your CSR for changes that you need to make. Additional fees will be charged if you fail to report changes that result in reprinting of W-2s as well as a delay in receiving the updated W-2s.

    FUTA Credit Reduction

    Some states take Federal Unemployment loans if they lack the funds to pay unemployment benefits for state residents. If a state has outstanding loans with the federal government, the FUTA credit rate for employers in that state will be reduced until the loan is repaid.

    The result of being an employer in a credit reduction state is that a higher tax is due on Form 940. This higher tax is considered to be incurred in the 4th quarter. Therefore, your company will owe additional federal unemployment taxes that will need to be impounded.

    This tax is usually calculated and impounded on the first payroll processed with a December check date.
    Future communication will include details regarding the FUTA credit reduction calculations.

    2026 Retirement & Benefit Limits

    Key IRS-adjusted limits for retirement plans, health accounts, wages, and reimbursements in 2026:

    CategoryLimitCatch-Up (if applicable)
    401(k) / 403(b) / Roth 401(k) $24,500 $7,500 (age 50+)
    Super Catch-Up: $11,250–$12,000 (ages 60–63)
    Social Security Wage Base$184,500
    Federal Minimum Wage$7.25/hour (unch; state rates may be higher)
    Health FSA (max annual contribution)$3,400
    Dependent Care FSA
    Married filing jointly / Head of Household $7,500
    Married filing separately $3,750
    Standard Mileage Rate (business)TBA (expected 71–73 cents/mile)
    Health Savings Account (HSA)
    Single $4,400 $1,000 (age 55+)
    Family $8,750 $1,000 (age 55+)

    Sources: IRS Revenue Procedures 2025-19 & 2025-32; SSA. All figures effective January 1, 2026.

    Mileage rate typically announced in December — check irs.gov for updates.

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