Employment & HR Compliance Checklist

Handle hiring, payroll, benefits, and workplace policies correctly from day one.

Sign Offer Letters/Main AgreementsDue: Before start date
Ensure IP assignment (PIIA) is signed by every employee and contractor.
Form I-9 VerificationDue: Within 3 days of start date
Verify work eligibility for employees.
Form W-4Due: On start date
Employee withholding allowance certificate.
Workers' CompensationDue: By time first employee starts
Obtain workers' comp insurance.
Set up PayrollDue: Before first payroll run
Register for state unemployment/withholding tax accounts.
Employee HandbookDue: Recommended as team grows (>5)
Create handbook with anti-harassment, leave, and other policies.
Benefits EnrollmentDue: Within 30 days of start (usually)
Enroll employees in health/retirement plans if offered.
Contractor AgreementsDue: Before work begins
Use clear independent contractor agreements with IP assignment.
File 1099-NECDue: January 31 following tax year
File for US contractors paid >$600/year.