Year-End Resource Guide
Here’s everything you need for year-end planning and preparation, right at your fingertips, to make filing a breeze and as stress-free as possible.
Key dates for Fingercheck customers
*Will be completed on or before this date.
Please contact Customer Support with any questions on the above dates and meanings.
Year-End Filings & Filing Data Accuracy Checklist:
Key year-end areas to double-check
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Employee Data Verification
Take a few extra minutes to ensure the employee data entered into your Fingercheck account is correct. Confirm the employee names, addresses, and Social Security Numbers match SSA records.
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Additional Filing Services
Review and consider Fingercheck's additional filing services. For example, 1099-NEC Filing: Opt-out by Tuesday, December 31st if desired (date is subject to change).
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Deadline for Payroll Wage & Earnings Entry
To avoid late processing fees, please ensure all missing payroll data is added to your account by the deadlines listed in the "Key Dates for Fingercheck Customers" section above. Third-Party Sick Pay, bonuses, S-Corp Medical, 401(k) contributions, and manual checks are common year-end wage & earning entries.
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ACA Compliance
For companies with 50 or more full-time employees (including full-time equivalent employees), ensure you have taken care of health insurance compliance. Contact support@fingercheck.com by Tuesday, December 31st (date subject to change) to opt in to have Fingercheck file your Affordable Care Act (ACA) forms.
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Form Availability & Location
Access all the forms provided by Fingercheck easily on the Fingercheck platform under the 'Payroll' tab > 'Forms & Notices'. The Quarterly tab includes your Quarter End Reports packet. The Annual tab includes your W-2s, 1099s, and Year-End Forms. Reference the "Key Dates for Fingercheck Customers" section above for form availability dates. Learn more about the forms here.
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Unemployment Tax Rate or Tax Filing Frequencies
As the new year approaches, watch for updates from your state on unemployment tax rates or filing frequencies. Once you receive updates, please upload the notice to the Fingercheck platform under the 'Payroll' tab > 'Forms & Notices' > 'Upload Form'. Our team will review the form and reach out to you with updates. Please note, timely updates help avoid potential penalties from state agencies.
Year-end webinar
Get tips, advice and insights to make your year-end as painless as possible from our expert customer support team – Download Year-End PDF.
Federal holiday calendar
It’s important to review your year-end and 2026 payroll calendar now. Taking a few minutes to confirm pay dates and plan for necessary changes due to holiday bank closures helps ensure smooth, on-time payrolls through the holidays and into the new year. A little preparation now prevents last-minute surprises later.
Please note: Banks are closed on all federal holidays. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) indicate holidays that Fingercheck also observes and will remain closed. Source: The Federal Reserve – FRBServices.org.
Resources designed to make planning your end-of-year much smoother
FAQs about year-end filings
Year-End Tax Prep can be confusing. But we promise that we will help. One way we’re doing that is with this handy FAQ list. Have more questions? We invite you to contact our Support Team by chat, email support@fingercheck.com, or through phone at 800-610-9501.
When will my W-2s be ready?
How can my employees consent to receive their W-2s electronically?
If my employees do not consent to receive their W-2s electronically, how can those be provided to them?
When will my year-end reports be ready?
Do we have to file for 1099 employees?
How do I run a bonus payroll for year-end?
When is the deadline to add wages for the W-2s/1099s?
How do I make a payroll to max out my 401(k)?
How do I allow for lump sum 401(k) contributions?
What is the deadline to record wages for 2025 without an amendment?
How do I create an accrual policy?
How do I offer benefits & open enrollment?
What about third-party sick pay at the end of the year?
How long do I have to file my third-party sick for New Jersey?
How do I get W-2s to terminated workers?
Why are my employee’s net pay and taxes different on their first paycheck of 2026 compared to their last paycheck of 2025?
Annual Limits & IRS resources
Key resources to check when you have questions
These details are offered as informational resources. Remember to run your questions and tax data by your tax professional.
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Annual Limits
Payroll deductions and taxes have annual limits that can impact employees' net pay - get the latest on Retirement and Health deduction limits. Read more
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IRS Online Tax Calendar
The IRS Online Tax Calendar allows you to view due dates and actions for each month. Read more
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Understanding Employment Taxes
Employers must deposit and report employment taxes. Understanding Employment Taxes is a resource the IRS offers to explain what you need to know. Read more
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Tax Withholding Estimator
Need to figure out your tax withholdings? The IRS provides this tool to estimate the federal income tax you want your employer to withhold from your paycheck. Read more
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Filing Status
Not sure what your filing status is? It’s important to know because it is used to determine your requirements, deductions, eligibility for credits, and the correct tax. Read more
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Form 941
Each Form 941 you file reports the total amount of tax you withheld during the quarter. Click here for help determining your Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return status. Read more
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Correct a W-2 form with W-2C
When mistakes happen, do your best to correct errors quickly. The IRS has detailed instructions on correcting W-2s. Read more
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Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Looking to understand the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax provisions for employers? The IRS has this information outlined for you. Read more
Customer support every step of the way
Online Chat: You can always reach us using the messaging feature on Fingercheck.com.
Email: support@fingercheck.com
Phone: 800-610-9501