This article is about Justworks PEO. What product am I using?
Overview
This article explains how the End of Year task list works in Justworks PEO, what Justworks files for your company, and which tasks may appear on your list. Many of the tasks can be done at any time during the year. For more guidance on those, see Preparing for End of Year.
How does the End of Year task list work?
The End of Year task list guides admins through the actions and information needed for a successful year-end. Complete the tasks that apply to your company, and Justworks handles the filing from there.
How do I open the task list?
Go to Home and select Get started on the End of Year banner, then select Go to task list.
How do I set up my task list?
The first time you open the task list, you will need to answer a few questions about your company. Justworks adds and prioritizes the tasks that apply and marks the rest not applicable. If you're not sure whether something applies, add the task to learn more; you can add or remove tasks later if something changes.
When are tasks due?
All tasks are due by your company's final day to process off-cycle payments, shown at the top of the task list. The recommended timing helps you prioritize, but it doesn't change when tasks are due.
How do multiple admins use the task list?
All admins share the same task list. Changes are reflected for everyone, and each task shows who last updated it.
How do I mark tasks as done?
Select Mark as done when you complete a task, or Doesn't apply if your company doesn't need it. You can update a task later.
Can I share the task list with my tax advisor?
Yes. Share the deadline and the Preparing for End of Year article. You can also download a copy of the task list to prep offline.
What does Justworks file for my company?
U.S.-based employees and contractors
For the period your company was with Justworks, Justworks prepares and files applicable tax forms and returns for U.S.-based employees and contractors, including:
- Forms W-2
- Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC
- Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax Return)
- Form 941 (Quarterly Federal Tax Return)
- State and local payroll tax returns
If your company joined Justworks during the year, Justworks can only file for the period your company was with Justworks. Your previous provider should handle the rest of the year.
EOR employees
Justworks handles applicable year-end tax documents, payroll tax filings, and statutory year-end payments for employees on the Employer of Record service. No action is needed for these employees in the task list.
International contractors
Justworks doesn't handle tax filings for international contractors. Consult your tax advisor about any filing obligations your company may have. You can review payments made to international contractors in the International Contractor Pay Report.
Which tasks are on the task list?
Tasks are grouped by when Justworks recommends working on them, from what to tackle first to what to focus on last. Which tasks appear depends on your answers to the setup questions.
Get ahead (start now)
These tasks may affect employee pay, taxes, or benefits, or require extra time and coordination. Tackle them first so waiting doesn't limit your options or create last-minute issues.
| Task | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Verify company and employee information | All companies |
| Report taxable fringe benefits | Companies that provided taxable fringe benefits outside Justworks |
| Report taxable equity-based compensation | Companies that paid employees equity-based compensation |
| Coordinate payroll and bonuses with employees' 401(k) contributions | Companies that offer a 401(k) |
| Remind employees to use their FSA funds | Companies that offer an FSA through Justworks |
| Review Form 1099 information for U.S.-based contractors and vendors | Companies that paid contractors or vendors |
Gather what you need (start by December)
These tasks may require information, documents, or help from others. Give yourself enough time to track down what's missing and resolve questions along the way.
| Task | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Report employees on tax-exempt visas | Companies with employees on a visa that exempts them from FICA and FUTA taxes |
| Report >2% S-Corp shareholders | S-Corps with shareholders who have more than a 2% interest |
| Report employer contributions to external health benefits | Companies that contributed to medical, dental, vision, or HSA plans administered outside Justworks |
| Report employee payments made outside Justworks | Companies that made taxable payments, such as cash or paper checks, that haven't been reported |
| Submit your R&D payroll tax credit documents | Companies that elected to apply R&D tax credits to payroll taxes |
| Review federal overtime hours | Companies with non-exempt employees who worked overtime |
Finalize the year (focus on last)
These tasks are most useful once your year-end plans are set. Schedule any remaining payments and complete your final reviews before they process.
| Task | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Review your final regular payrolls | All companies |
| Schedule any remaining payments | Companies with bonuses or other payments to schedule before year-end |
| Review your final upcoming payments | All companies |
FAQs
What happens after my final payroll runs?
After your final payroll runs, Justworks can't make adjustments or corrections, including for overpayments.
What should I report for fringe benefits and health benefits?
Report only items provided or administered outside Justworks. Justworks already has the rest.
What happens if I reset the external health benefits task?
If you reset Report employer contributions to external health benefits, everything previously entered or uploaded is deleted, and you'll need to resubmit it.
Do I need to report employer-paid COBRA premiums?
In most cases, no. COBRA premiums are usually paid by the former employee with after-tax money. If your company chooses to pay them as part of a severance package, they still aren't reported in this task. If you're not sure whether your situation is an exception, consult your tax advisor.
What happens if I report a payment late?
Taxable payments made outside Justworks and reported late are subject to IRS tax deposit penalties.
What do contractors and vendors need to do before Justworks can file their Form 1099?
Contractors and vendors need to set up their account. Justworks can't file a Form 1099 for a contractor or vendor until account setup is complete, so ask them to do this before the deadline.
What is the Form 1099 threshold for 2026?
For payments made in 2026, the federal reporting threshold has increased from $600 to $2,000 for Form 1099-NEC and certain Form 1099-MISC payment categories. State reporting requirements may differ, so we will continue to use a $600 reporting threshold for these payments for 2026.
Disclaimer
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.