2026 year-end checklist
Year-end moves and early 2027 deadlines for owners of plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, and general contracting businesses.
- By Dec 2
If you sponsor a safe harbor 401(k) with a matching contribution, give employees the 2027 safe harbor notice between Oct 3 and Dec 2. A brand-new plan starting Jan 1 has until its start date. For 2027, a new SIMPLE IRA can take effect on any date through Oct 1, 2027.
- By Dec 31
To claim 2026 Section 179 or bonus depreciation, place trucks and equipment in service, meaning delivered and ready to use on the job.
- By Dec 31
Run final S corp payroll so owner wages, health insurance, and retirement deferrals land in 2026.
- By Dec 31
Collect a Form W-9 from every subcontractor paid during the year.
- By Dec 31
Confirm that your payroll system separates overtime premium pay for employee reporting.
- Jan 1, 2027
Connecticut paid sick leave extends to employers with 1 or more employees, accruing 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year. The state minimum wage rises to $17.48 an hour.
- Feb 1, 2027
File Forms 1099-NEC for subcontractors paid $2,000 or more in 2026.
- Mar 15, 2027
S corp and partnership returns are due. Extend if equipment and job-cost records aren't final.
- Mar 15, 2027
Decide on Connecticut's pass-through entity tax for 2026 before filing Form CT-1065/CT-1120SI. The election is made on a timely filed return, including an extended one, and never on an amended one.
Dates assume a calendar-year taxpayer. Some items require plan documents or elections that only your advisor or plan provider can complete.
Run this checklist with a tax advisor
In a consultation, we look at your payroll and planned truck and equipment purchases, estimate what a retirement plan or S corp salary could be worth, and tell you whether any of your 1099 workers look like employees.