Run the W-2 Preview report
Catch missing or inconsistent information while there is still time to correct it.
How to Run It ↗
Tesseon year-end resource center
Close the year with confidence.
A practical year-end hub for payroll, HR, and compliance teams. Use the timeline, checklist, and guides below to keep your final payroll cycle organized and your records ready.
iPlan early. Requests to hold books open are due December 4, and the final payroll of 2026 must be processed by December 29.
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Organized payroll starts here
Your year-end starting point
Make time for the work that protects accuracy.
Start with the W-2 Preview report and tax checklist, then use the resources below to review employee data, filing details, and compliance tasks. W-2s process right after your last scheduled check date of the year.
Year-end timeline
Key dates and resources
Mark these deadlines now. Tesseon is closed November 26 and 27, December 25, and January 1, and closes at noon on December 24 and December 31, so plan payroll submissions around those dates.
Now
Run your W-2 PreviewReview year-to-date payroll information early so there is time to correct names, addresses, and wage details before forms are created.
December 1
Paperless W-2 opt-in deadlineEmployees must opt in to electronic W-2s themselves. Anyone who hasn't opted in by this date will receive a printed form.
December 4
Hold books open deadlineSubmit your request by this date if you need your books held open through December 31. Fees apply.
December 29
Final payroll deadlineProcess your last payroll of 2026 by this date. Record all special earnings first, including Owner's Health Insurance and Third Party Sick Pay, since W-2s process right after your last check date.
January 20
California ACA deadlineDeadline to submit California ACA/1095-C forms.
February 19
ACA deadline for all other statesDeadline to submit non-California ACA/1095-C forms.
Year-end payroll support for growing teams
Year-end readiness
Six focused reviews for a smoother closeout.
Work through the essentials in the order that fits your team. Each review is designed to reduce rework and give decision-makers a clear view of what still needs attention.
Review the tax checklist
Use a structured review to confirm that required payroll and tax steps are covered.
Open the Checklist ↗Prepare employee records
Verify addresses, names, deductions, benefits, and other details that affect year-end forms.
Open the Payroll Guide ↗Confirm compliance items
Review the obligations that apply to your locations, workforce, and payroll schedule, including ACA reporting.
ACA Filing Basics ↗Coordinate the final run
Share cutoffs and responsibilities so your team knows what must be complete before processing.
See Processing Dates ↗Plan employee communication
Remind employees to opt in to paperless W-2s by December 1, and tell them where to find their year-end forms.
Paperless W-2 Opt-In ↗Interactive checklist
Keep the work moving.
Mark each item as you complete it. This lightweight checklist is designed for a team huddle, a payroll review, or a final readiness check.
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Featured resources
Helpful guidance, when you need it.
Use these supporting pieces to help payroll, HR, finance, and operations stay aligned through year-end.
2026 Year-End Payroll Guide
Step-by-step guidance on verifying employee data, recording special earnings, and closing out the year.
Download the Guide ↗Tax Review Checklist
A practical worksheet for organizing payroll tax and filing follow-up.
Open the Checklist ↗Year-End Training
Short training sessions that walk through each year-end task, from previews to final payroll.
Watch the Training ↗Year-End Help Articles
Answers from the Tesseon team on holiday hours, books closing, printed W-2s, and other year-end questions.
Browse Articles ↗Have questions?
Your Account Manager can walk you through the steps in the software. For how to handle specific year-end items, check with your accountant or CFO.
Ask Your Account Manager ↗Tesseon support center
Need a clear answer?
Find year-end articles and how-tos, or reach out to your Account Manager for help with the steps in the software.