Your 2025 Roadmap

Need a cheat sheet of what to expect in the year ahead? We’ve got you covered! From communications to tech updates, here’s a timeline roundup of what we’re working on.

Please note, additional updates may occur as necessary based on your tech feedback and late-breaking compliance updates.

Quick links:

Here's What to Expect in Q1

W-2 Updates

First Week of January

All W-2 Recipients

Prevent post office delays to your W-2. Make sure your email and mailing address is up-to-date during the first week of January.

Holiday Closure

January 1, 2025

New Year's Day

Banks and Nextep will both be closed for the federal holiday on January 1. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

State Law Updates

January 1

For Company Leaders

Many states update their minimum wage and state laws every January 1st. It is important to stay up-to-date with your state's Department of Labor page. You can also find overviews from Nextep on our Compliance Hub.

Check Your Labor Posters

Early January

For Company Leaders

Since many state and local laws become updated effective January 1, the beginning of the year is an important time to take stock of your worksite locations and make sure you have the legally required up-to-date labor posters. You can order professionally printed posters here, or download free printable versions here.

Tech Enhancement: Elevate Dashboard

January 1, 2025

For Company Leaders

Company admins, get an overview of your company in your new Elevate Dashboard! We've gathered your company's essential info in one place, slicing and dicing your info into charts for easy visibility.

Acces it in your Elevate by Nextep™ account or mobile app, navigating to the Company tab at the bottom, then Elevate Dashboard.

Tech Enhancement: Risk Tools

Mid-January

For Company Leaders

Admins now have access to risk and workers' comp tools in your Elevate by Nextep™ mobile app! File claims, download your location's OSHA 300A poster, or request a Certificate of Insurance on the go.

Acces it in your Elevate by Nextep™ account or mobile app, navigating to the Company tab at the bottom, then scrolling to the Risk & Compliance section.

Holiday Bank Closure

Monday, January 20, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr Day

Banks will be closed for the federal holiday, but Nextep will remain open. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

Check Your Paystub

Mid-January

All FSA/HSA Participants

Did you enroll in this year's FSA or HSA? If so, check your first paycheck of the year to ensure all deductions are correct.

W-2 Q&A

Mid-January

All W-2 Recipients

All W-2s for the previous year will be sent no later than January 31. In the meantime, get answers to frequently asked questions to know what to expect.

Tech Enhancement: Admin Accounts

Mid-January

For Company Leaders

All company admins are now Elevated in your Nextep desktop account and Elevate by Nextep™ mobile app. No switching between accounts. Access all of your info in one easy place. Simply log in. From there, toggle between your company's info and your own.

W-2 is Ready!

Late January

All W-2 Recipients

Your W-2 will be mailed no later than January 31, but the easiest and fastest way to access your W-2 is in your Elevate by Nextep™ account or mobile app, navigating to Pay, then Taxes.

OSHA 300A Posting

February 1

For Company Leaders

Beginning February 1 to April 30, many workplaces must post an OSHA 300A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses from the previous year. Read more on our blog.

Holiday Bank Closure

Monday, February 17, 2025

Presidents Day

Banks will be closed for the federal holiday, but Nextep will remain open. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

Anti-Harassment Training

Q1

For Company Leaders

Time to schedule your annual anti-harassment training. This is a great opportunity to try our FREE online training platform. Learn more here.

Tech Enhancement: Clocking In

Q1

All Account Users

Our tech team is making it easier to clock in and out from your Elevate by Nextep™ mobile app. Stay tuned for announcements!

Tech Enhancement: Chatbot

Q1

All Account Users

Our agents are available and happy to assist with your question! Simply login to your account or Elevate by Nextep™ app, tap the Help tab at the bottom of your screen, then Start a live chat with an agent. During the first part of the year, we're making some tweaks behind the scenes to make your chat experience even smoother.

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Here's What to Expect in Q2

Tech Enhancement: Pay Rate Change

Late Q1/Early Q2

Login Button for Company Leaders

We're making it easier for company leaders to enter a pay rate change from their Elevate by Nextep™ mobile apps in one simple step.

Reminder: Taxes Due

April 15

Anyone paid by Nextep in the Previous Year

For most taxpayers, the deadline to file the personal federal tax return, pay any tax owed, or request an extension to file is April 15.

The Elevate by Nextep™ mobile app is the easiest and fastest way to access your W-2. In the app, simply click Pay. Scroll, and you'll see the option to retrieve your W-2.

Holiday Closure

Monday, May 26, 2025

Memorial Day

Banks and Nextep will both be closed for the federal holiday. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

EEO-1 Reporting

TBD

For Company Leaders

Your EEO-1 reporting on the online registration portal typically opens in Q2, but is currently to be determined. While your company must ultimately submit the information to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you can invite Nextep to assist. Please contact Nextep's Compliance department for help and instructions. Read more about EEO-1 reporting here.

Holiday Bank Closure

June 19

Juneteenth

Banks will be closed for the federal holiday, but Nextep will remain open. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

Annual Client Benefit Selection

Updated Late June

All Benefit Participants

Get ready for benefits renewal and open enrollment season! Your updated benefit plan overviews will soon be available for you and your employees to review, including summaries, FAQ, and easy access to help. Our tech team will also be working behind the sceenes to enhance the benefit renewal process for company leaders.

Company leaders, start here.

Tech Enhancement: HR Forms for Admins

Q2

For Company Admins

Company admins, you will have access to HR forms specific to managing your employees, available right in the Nextep account or Elevate by Nextep™ mobile app!

Tech Enhancement: PTO Features

Q2

PTO Participants (not using Kronos or Timeco timekeeping)

Our tech team is working on enhancing the paid-time-off (PTO) process within your Elevate by Nextep™ app. Features include monthly and quarterly views, improved history and balance views, and more.

Tech Enhancement: EAP Card

Q2

All Account Users

We're making the Employee Assistance program (EAP) easier to access, because help for life events is needed 24/7. You'll be able to access it in your Nextep account or Elevate by Nextep™ mobile app by tapping Benefits from the home screen, then scrolling down to the EAP card.

Tech Enhancement: Company Onboarding

Q2

New Clients

Clients who are new to Nextep, we're making your company onboarding process even more streamlined. We'll walk you through the easy process, step by step.

Here's What to Expect in Q3

State Law Updates

July 1

For Company Leaders

In addition to the beginning of the year, several states and localities update their minimum wage and state laws every July 1st. It is important to stay up-to-date with your state's Department of Labor page. You can also find overviews from Nextep's Compliance Hub or directly from our Compliance Manager.

Check Your Labor Posters

Early July

For Company Leaders

Since many state and local laws are updated, effective July 1, mid-year is a great time to take stock of your worksite locations and make sure you have the legally required up-to-date labor posters. You can order professionally printed posters here, or download free printable versions here.

Company Benefit Selection

DELIVERED MUD-JULY

For Company Leaders

Welcome to benefit renewal! We know how important it is for you to deliver benefits that meet your people's needs.

Our tech experts have made your benefit renewal process easier than ever! Your plan details are available in your Elevate by Nextep™ account, and our experts are ready to strategize. Simply log into your account, click the Company tab at the bottom of your screen, and you'll easily toggle to managing your company's info and benefit renewal. In the meantime, see your renewal resources for what to expect.

Once you're ready to approve, you can securely sign your renewal online in your Nextep account. Please note, if changes are not made and submitted by the due date noted, the enrollment window for your employees may be shortened.

SBC Doc Updates

Updated Early July

All Benefit Participants

Need a no-frills, complete index of summaries of benefits and coverage (SBC) from carriers? Check out our SBC docs, available in English and Spanish. This resource is especially useful for COBRA participants.

Holiday Closure

July 4

Independence Day

Banks and Nextep will both be closed for the federal holiday. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

PCORI Fees Due

July 31

For Company Leaders

If you offer self-insured health benefits or sponsor an HRA, your company may be responsible for paying PCORI fees. Since Nextep benefit plans are fully funded, the carrier pays that portion's fees. But since company-funded HRAs also count as self-insured, you may have to file and pay for that portion. If this is the case, our benefits team will assist with preparing IRS Form 720 and walk you through every step of the filing process.

Open Enrollment Begins

August 1-15

All Benefits-Eligible Employees

It's time for annual benefits open enrollment! During this time, you may enroll, waive, or make changes to your benefits with Nextep and your company. Nextep will communicate with you with your company's specific open enrollment dates. See our open enrollment resources for more info, including what to expect, shortcuts to available plans, and FAQ.

Summary Plan Descriptions

August 1

All Benefits-Eligible Employees

If any benefits-eligible employees or plan participants need to reference the summary plan description (SPD) for legal details, it is available online.

Open Enrollment Closed

August 15

All Benefits-Eligible Employees

Your annual online benefits enrollment period has ended. If you made no changes, current elections will remain the same (or equivalent).All plans are effective October 1.

Your next opportunity to enroll or make changes will be during Nextep's next open enrollment period or within 30 days of experiencing a qualifying event.

Holiday Closure

Monday, September 1, 2025

Labor Day

Banks and Nextep will both be closed for the federal holiday. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

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Here's What to Expect in Q4

Benefits Effective Date

October 1

All Benefits Participants

If you participated in open enrollment or have Nextep benefits, all elections and updates are effective October 1. Contact your confidential Health Advocate for help with questions regarding your benefits.

Holiday Bank Closure

Monday, October 13, 2025

Indigenous/Columbus Day

Banks will be closed for the federal holiday, but Nextep will remain open. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

Medicare Part D

October 15

Medicare Part D-Eligible People

Entities that provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare Part D eligible individuals must notify them by October 15 whether their drug coverage is creditable or non-creditable. Coverage is creditable for Nextep plan participants, and we email this notice on your behalf. See CMS.gov for more info.

Check Your Paystub

Mid-October

All Benefit Plan Participants

If you enrolled or made changes during benefits open enrollment, please check your first paycheck in October to ensure all deductions are correct.

FSA/HSA Open Enrollment is Coming

October 31

All FSA/HSA-Eligible Employees

Open enrollment for your FSA or HSA is coming soon! In the meantime, see plan summaries, what to expect, and FAQs on our FSA/HSA open enrollment resource page.

Holiday Bank Closure

November 11

Veterans Day

Banks will be closed for the federal holiday, but Nextep will remain open. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

FSA/HSA Enrollment is Here

November 1-30

All FSA/HSA-Eligible Employees

It's time to enroll in next year's FSA or HSA! Please note, current year's FSA/HSA elections do not roll over; you will need to enroll again for the coming year if you'd like to participate. Log into your Nextep account or mobile app to easily complete your elections.

See plan summaries, what to expect, and FAQs on our FSA/HSA open enrollment resource page.

Holiday Savings Payouts!

Mid to Late November

All Holiday Savings Participants

Annual payouts for your Holiday Savings Account occur in November, just in time for holiday shopping! Your existing enrollment will automatically renew and continue uninterrupted for your convenience. Review and edit your selection in your Nextep account or mobile app under Pay.

FSA/HSA Enrollment Closed

November 30

All FSA/HSA-Eligible Employees

Your FSA and HSA benefits enrollment period has ended. All elections are effective January 1.

Previous year elections do not automatically renew. If you missed enrollment and need to elect FSA or HSA contributions for the coming year, contact Nextep immediately.

Holiday Closure

November 27 and 28, 2025

Thanksgiving and The Day After

Banks and Nextep will both be closed for the Thanksgiving Day federal holiday. On Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Nextep will be closed, but banks will be open, and payroll can be dated for that day. If you need to make changes, please get in touch with your payroll specialist two weeks prior.

See our FAQs for a rundown of this year's federally-recognized holidays, plus a downloadable cheat sheet!

Year-End Reminders

Late November

For Company Leaders

As the year comes to a close, it's time to make sure you've taken care of every detail. Here's a handy checklist that walks you through scheduling your final pay dates for the year, turning in bonuses, notifying Nextep of changes, and more!

$$$ Updates

December

For Company Leaders

Gear up your company's budget! We'll provide a breakdown of key upcoming financial changes for the coming year, including tax, FSA/HSA, and retirement. See changes on our blog at nextep.com/blog or in this printable download.

New Tech Feature

Coming in 2025

For Company Leaders

Do you use our performance management software? If so, company leaders and their employees will be able to access it easily from their Nextep accounts in 2025. Contact your HR Business Partner for more information about this service.

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Here's What to Expect Year-Round

HR Tips

Frequency: Every 1-2 Weeks + Monthly emails

For company leaders

We regularly post updates about compliance, tips for running your company, and more. Stay up to date by visiting nextep.com/blog. Each month, we'll also email company leaders a digest of posts.

Compliance Alerts

Frequency: As Needed

For Company Leaders

We all know that regulatory compliance can change in the blink of an eye. We keep track of the changes that affect you and notify you as soon as an unforseen compliance update occurs. You can also stay up to date on the Nextep blog.

Empower 401(k) Updates

Frequency: Every 1-2 Weeks

For Retirement Plan Participants

Company leaders and employees participating in Nextep's retirement plan may sign up directly for messages from Empower about financial wellness and other savings goals.

Retirement Webinars

Frequency: Quarterly

For Retirement Plan Participants

Retirement plan-eligible employees approaching or currently enrolled in Nextep's 401(k) are invited to attend Empower's educational webinar about budgeting for retirement.

Employee Onboarding

Frequency: When Employees are Hired

For company leaders and new employees

We make the new hire process easy. When you hire a new employee, we automatically send a series of emails to your employee with their new hire paperwork, as well as to you when your portion of the I-9 is ready.

Benefits Eligibility

Frequency: When Employees Become Eligible

For benefits-eligible employees

Once your employee becomes eligible for benefits under your established guidelines, we'll automatically send them a notification with the option to enroll. During their initial eligibility, employees have 30 days to enroll. Their next opportunity will be during Nextep's next open enrollment period or within 30 days of experiencing a qualifying event.

Aetna Notices

Frequency: As Needed

For health plan participants

Participants of Nextep's Aetna or other health plans will receive emails and mail directly from the carrier based on the employee's usage. For instance, if an employee's medication is going to be covered differently.

Aetna Communication

Frequency: Periodically

For health plan participants

Health plan participants can opt in or out of emails directly from Aetna regarding wellness and marketing.

FSA/HSA Notices

Frequency: As Needed

For FSA/HSA plan participants

ThrivePass, our FSA & HSA carrier, directly contacts Nextep's participants regarding their plans, including terms and conditions, COBRA rights and exchange notices, statements, and tax forms.

All Benefits Carriers

Frequency: As Needed

For health plan participants

Any of the benefits carriers may email or otherwise communicate directly with plan participants regarding their plans, claims, accounts, and other health-related activities.

Technology Rollouts

Frequency: Periodically

For company leaders and their employees

Our developers at Nextep are constantly innovating! We may contact all users of the Elevate by Nextep™ account or mobile app to let them know of new features and roll-outs.

Company leaders will be notified of major upgrades in advance.

Surveys

Frequency: As Needed, & Semiannually

For Company Leaders and their employees

We value your feedback! When we help you, we'll often follow up with a survey to see how we did. Check out our methodology and use of Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Additionally, we survey company leaders approximately twice per year to gauge satisfaction with Nextep. We also survey your departing employees and give you feedback.

We pride ourselves on our award-winning service. Check out some of our reviews and testimonials!