Essential Compliance Responsibilities to Finalize Before the Close of 2026

As 2026 comes to a close, HR and benefits administrators face more than holiday planning and budget forecasting. Year-end compliance responsibilities are critical to avoid penalties, ensure smooth operations, and set your business up for a successful new year.

It can be daunting, but we’re here to help, and the practical checklist below is a great place to start. Tackle one section at a time, and reach out to us if you get stuck. We’ll go over ERISA, COBRA, Section 125, ACA reporting, creditable coverage notices, and handbook updates.

ERISA Plan Year-End Tasks

If your company offers health, dental, vision, life or disability benefits, you’re likely subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Before year-end, verify the following:

Wrap Plan Documents and Summary Plan Descriptions

Ensure your plan documents and wrap documents are current. If your plan has changed during the year, you need to update your Summary Plan Description (SPD) to reflect those changes. That can include coverage levels, eligibility rules, or benefits. An outdated SPD creates a compliance risk and can confuse employees about what’s actually covered.

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Simple Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Family, Friends, and Property During Your Fourth of July Festivities

Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays and it’s a time to enjoy Independence Day with your family and friends.

Unfortunately, every year more than 11,000 people are sent to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries, and in a typical year about eight to 10 people are killed by fireworks.

On top of that, fourth of July fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires every year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

But you can take steps to protect your family and your property so that you don’t have to be one of those statistics. It all comes down to common sense and respecting the power of the fireworks.

Mind the Sparklers

Usually these are known as “kiddie” fireworks, but you may be surprised to know that they cause one-quarter of the house fires and emergency room fireworks injuries on Fourth of July.

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