As the year closes, employers need to make sure their ERISA responsibilities are complete, accurate, and documented. These tasks protect your plan, your business, and your compliance standing going into 2026. Here’s what must be finished before year-end.

Three professionals reviewing ERISA compliance documents together in a modern office setting during year-end planning.

Make sure every plan document reflects the current year’s benefits:

  • SPDs updated and distributed

  • Wrap Documents revised for 2026 changes

  • Required annual notices completed and sent (HIPAA, CHIPRA, WHCRA)

Outdated documents are among the most common triggers of DOL inquiries.

Confirm Eligibility and Enrollment Status

Verify that eligibility rules were applied correctly throughout the year:

  • New full-time employees identified per ACA rules

  • Enrollment notices were issued on time

  • Documentation is current for employees who became eligible midyear

Consistent eligibility tracking is essential for both ERISA and ACA compliance.

Mistakes in full-time employee tracking and reporting lead to costly penalties.
BC2 helps you stay ACA-compliant year-round.

Check Health & Welfare Benefit Compliance

Before year-end, confirm your benefits program meets federal requirements:

  • Plans aligned with ERISA and ACA rules

  • Annual disclosures provided

  • Waiting periods and contributions applied consistently

This ensures your plan administration matches what is stated in your documents.

Make sure your ACA reporting is accurate before the new year hits.
Learn how BC2 keeps employers compliant.

Prepare for Form 5500 Filing Season

Even if your filing isn’t due yet, Q4 is the time to get organized:

  • Review participant counts and plan information

  • Confirm which welfare plans require a Form 5500

  • Verify prior filings are complete and accurate

Early preparation prevents errors and reduces filing delays in 2026.

Need help preparing your Form 5500?
BC2 provides complete filing support to ensure accuracy, compliance, and on-time submission.
Learn more about our Form 5500 services.

Organize Documentation for Audit Readiness

Centralize your compliance records before the new year:

  • Plan documents and amendments

  • Distribution records for notices

  • Summary of plan operations and procedures

Being audit-ready is a major advantage and reduces risk.

Close Compliance Gaps Now

Before moving into 2026, resolve:

  • Missing or outdated documents

  • Inconsistent plan language

  • Gaps in administrative procedures

Finishing the year clean sets the foundation for a smooth compliance cycle.

How BC2 Supports Year-End Compliance

BC2 helps employers stay fully compliant by:

Our team handles the details so you start the new year in full compliance.

Start 2026 Compliant and Confident

BC2 makes ERISA compliance straightforward and fully supported.
We’ll help you close out 2025 clean—so you enter 2026 with zero loose ends.

Start the new year fully compliant and stress-free.
BC2 handles Form 5500 preparation, ERISA documentation, and year-end compliance tasks so nothing slips through the cracks.
Get expert support now and finish 2025 with confidence.

Explore More ERISA & Form 5500 Guidance