Startups face a tight deadline for year-end compliance tasks. With the December 31st cutoff approaching, businesses need to prepare W-2s, 1099s, payroll tax filings, benefits reconciliations, and meet state-specific requirements. Missing any of these could lead to IRS penalties, unexpected tax bills, or even lawsuits from employees. To help founders navigate these obligations, Rippling's HR experts created a checklist tailored for early-stage companies. It outlines crucial filings due before year-end and highlights upcoming regulatory changes for 2026. Key changes include new pay transparency laws, expanded leave requirements, and AI hiring rules. The checklist not only details every necessary filing but also provides a ready-to-use format for better organization. The guide is designed to keep startups on track and prevent surprises as new regulations take effect. It emphasizes the importance of compliance and offers a straightforward approach to managing these requirements effectively.