2026 HR Compliance Guide
New Jersey HR Compliance Deadlines for 2026
2 verified employment law changes affecting New Jersey employers in 2026 — with effective dates, required actions, and penalties for non-compliance. Every entry cites an official government or agency source.
New Jersey state law changes
New Jersey Minimum Wage Increase to $15.92/hr
New Jersey's minimum wage increases from $15.49 to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026, reflecting the annual CPI adjustment following the completion of the $15 phase-in. The tipped employee cash wage, seasonal/small employer rate, and training wage also adjust. Agricultural workers follow a separate schedule.
New: $15.92/hr (was $15.49/hr)
Applies to: All New Jersey employers
What to do: Update payroll to $15.92/hr, adjust tipped and seasonal employee wage rates, update overtime calculations, and replace workplace wage postings.
Penalty: Back wages, liquidated damages of up to 200% of wages owed, and civil penalties up to $500 for first violation
New Jersey Electronic Separation Reporting Requirement
New Jersey transitions to mandatory electronic separation reporting effective January 1, 2026, requiring employers to submit employee separation information electronically through the state's online portal. This replaces the paper-based BC-10 form process and aims to streamline unemployment insurance claims processing. Employers must report separations within the timeframes prescribed by the Division of Unemployment Insurance.
Applies to: All New Jersey employers
What to do: Register for the NJ electronic separation reporting portal, train HR and payroll staff on the new electronic submission process, update internal separation and termination procedures, and discontinue use of paper BC-10 forms.
Penalty: Penalties for late or non-submission of separation information, and delays in unemployment claim processing
Federal deadlines that also apply
These federal requirements apply to New Jersey employers alongside the state rules above.
Stay compliant — and turn it into recertification credits
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