Payroll Year-End Checklist: W-2s, 1099s and Your Fourth-Quarter Filings (Tax Year 2026)

A free checklist to close out 2026 payroll accurately and on time. 2026 W-2s, W-3s, 1099-NECs and fourth-quarter Form 941 are due Monday, February 1, 2027. Written by Malcolm Alexander-Neal, QuickBooks ProAdvisor and QuickBooks Workforce Certified, Mac Neal LLC.

Inside this guide:

• A year-end timeline from November through February
• Verifying employee names, Social Security numbers and addresses
• What belongs on the W-2: bonuses, fringe benefits, S-corp owner health insurance, and the new tips and overtime codes
• Contractors and the new $2,000 Form 1099-NEC threshold
• Reconciling your 941s, W-3 and books before you file
• Corrections with Form W-2c, penalties at a glance, and a printable worksheet

Want us to handle it? See Mac Neal LLC Payroll Services at macnealllc.com/payroll-services. General information only, not tax or legal advice.