2026 HR Compliance Guide

Connecticut HR Compliance Deadlines for 2026

1 verified employment law change affecting Connecticut employers in 2026 — with effective dates, required actions, and penalties for non-compliance. Every entry cites an official government or agency source.

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Connecticut state law changes

January 1, 2026·Minimum Wagecritical

Connecticut Minimum Wage Increase to $16.94/hr

Connecticut's minimum wage increases from $16.35 to $16.94 per hour on January 1, 2026, reflecting the annual Employment Cost Index adjustment. This marks one of the highest state minimum wages in the nation. The increase also impacts overtime calculations and service employee base wages.

New: $16.94/hr (was $16.35/hr)

Applies to: All Connecticut employers

What to do: Update all payroll and timekeeping systems to $16.94/hr, recalculate overtime rates, adjust service employee wages, and update required workplace postings by January 1.

Penalty: Back wages, civil penalties, and potential criminal fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment

Source: Connecticut Department of Labor

Federal deadlines that also apply

These federal requirements apply to Connecticut employers alongside the state rules above.

February 1, 2026OSHA Form 300A Annual Posting Period Begins
February 2, 20261099-NEC Filing Deadline
February 2, 2026W-2 Filing Deadline with SSA
February 2, 2026Form 940 (FUTA) Annual Return Due
February 2, 2026Q4 2025 Form 941 Filing Deadline
February 10, 2026FUTA Form 940 Extended Filing Deadline
February 17, 2026Form W-4 Exempt-Status Renewal Deadline
March 2, 2026ACA 1095-C Employee Copies Due
March 2, 2026OSHA ITA Electronic Submission Deadline
March 2, 2026ACA Forms 1094-C/1095-C Paper Filing Deadline
March 2, 2026ACA 1095-C Furnishing: Notice-of-Availability Option (Paperwork Burden Reduction Act)
March 31, 2026ACA Electronic Filing Deadline (Forms 1094-C/1095-C)
April 30, 2026Q1 2026 Form 941 Filing Deadline
April 30, 2026OSHA Form 300A Posting Period Ends
May 1, 2026EEO-1 Component 1 Filing Period Opens
June 7, 2026EU Pay Transparency Directive Transposition Deadline
June 24, 2026EEO-1 Report Filing Deadline (Estimated)
July 31, 2026Q2 2026 Form 941 Filing Deadline
July 31, 2026Form 5500 Annual Report Due (Calendar-Year Plans)
September 30, 2026VETS-4212 Federal Contractor Report Due
October 15, 2026ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Preparation
October 15, 2026ACA 1095-C Notice of Availability — Posting Period Ends
October 31, 2026Q3 2026 Form 941 Filing Deadline
November 1, 2026ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Begins
December 15, 2026ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Deadline
December 31, 2026Year-End Payroll Tax Reconciliation
December 31, 2026Annual Benefits Enrollment Close for Calendar-Year Plans

Stay compliant — and turn it into recertification credits

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