HR’s Guide to Wrapping Up the Year Smoothly

 Because someone has to close out the year, and it doesn’t have to be chaotic.

A no-panic checklist for payroll, benefits, compliance, and performance reviews.

If you’re a business owner thinking: “Wait… how is it already the end of the year?”

You’re not alone. Year-end HR tasks have a way of sneaking up on even the most organized teams, and missing something can mean payroll issues, compliance headaches, or starting the new year already behind.

Good news: this guide breaks it all down without the HR overwhelm.

Payroll: Close It Out Cleanly

Before the calendar flips, payroll should be airtight.

Year-End Payroll Checklist

☐ Verify employee names, addresses, and Social Security numbers

☐ Review wage changes, bonuses, commissions, and overtime

☐ Confirm final pay dates and payroll cutoffs

☐ Reconcile payroll records with your payroll provider

☐ Prepare for W-2 and 1099 processing

☐ Confirm taxable vs. non-taxable benefits

☐ Ensure all PTO balances are accurate

Pro tip: Errors now = employee frustration in January. Double-check everything.

Benefits Renewals & Open Enrollment Wrap-Up

Benefits changes don’t end when open enrollment closes, this is where many employers drop the ball.

Benefits Checklist

☐ Confirm benefit elections are accurately processed

☐ Communicate effective dates clearly to employees

☐ Review plan cost changes for the new year

☐ Ensure new hires and life-event changes are properly enrolled

☐ Update benefits summaries and handbooks

☐ Prepare employee FAQs for January questions

Remember: Confused employees = nonstop January emails.

Compliance Deadlines You Can’t Ignore

This is the not-fun but very important part.

Compliance Checklist

☐ Confirm labor law posters are current

☐ Review minimum wage changes effective January 1

☐ Prepare ACA reporting (if applicable)

☐ Review employee classification (exempt vs. non-exempt)

☐ Confirm handbook policies reflect current laws

☐ Review required state and federal filings

Missing compliance items can lead to fines, audits, and legal risk, not the vibe for the new year.

Performance Reviews: Wrap Them Up Right

Year-end reviews shouldn’t feel rushed or pointless.

Performance Review Checklist

☐ Ensure all reviews are completed and documented

☐ Train managers on delivering feedback

☐ Confirm goals for the upcoming year

☐ Address performance concerns before January

☐ Document promotions, raises, or role changes

☐ File completed reviews in personnel records

Bonus tip: If reviews feel chaotic every year, consider moving to quarterly check-ins instead.

Set Yourself Up for a Strong January

A smooth year-end sets the tone for the entire year ahead.

Planning Ahead Checklist

☐ Update org charts and reporting structures

☐ Finalize headcount plans and budgets

☐ Review turnover and retention trends

☐ Identify training needs for managers

☐ Schedule key HR dates for the new year

How AlphaDog HR Helps You Finish Strong

If reading this checklist made you think,

“I do not have time for all of this…”

That’s exactly where we come in.

AlphaDog HR supports businesses with:

• Year-end payroll and compliance audits

• Benefits renewal support

• Performance review process setup

• Manager training

• Handbook updates

• HR planning for the new year

We help you close out the year organized, compliant, and stress-free, so you can start January focused and confident.