Paychex, Inc., a renowned human capital management software provider, has unveiled its annual list of regulatory issues for 2025. Businesses should prepare for legislative shifts and rapid technological advancements.
Paychex has highlighted key areas that could significantly impact operations.
These include taxes, retirement plans, paid leave, wage regulations, and artificial intelligence (AI). Kelee Delaney, director of compliance risk at Paychex, emphasized the need to stay informed.
“With a new administration and rapid innovation, 2025 will impact most businesses,” Delaney said.
Staying compliant helps protect employees and the bottom line. Paychex’s team monitors federal, state, and local regulations to guide businesses.
Taxes are a significant concern in 2025—the provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will sunset by year-end unless renewed. Income tax withholding rules and pass-through income deductions will revert to pre-2017 standards.
These changes will drive debates about corporate taxes, R&D expensing, and bonus depreciation. Companies should monitor updates to avoid surprises.
Retirement regulations are also evolving. Starting January 1, 2025, most employers must auto-enroll workers in new 401(k) or 403(b) plans. This mandate stems from SECURE Act 2.0 and aims to expand access to retirement savings.
Small businesses and startups face fewer requirements. However, state-sponsored retirement programs are growing. Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada will launch new programs, adding administrative duties for employers.
Paid leave laws are rapidly expanding. Over 40 jurisdictions now mandate Paid Sick and Safe Leave (PSSL). In 2025, Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska will roll out new programs. Businesses in these states must adapt quickly.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) is also gaining momentum. Delaware, Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota will launch PFL benefits in 2026. Preparing for 2025 will ease transitions.
Wage and hour regulations present another challenge. A U.S. court in Texas overturned the Department of Labor’s 2024 Overtime Rule. This decision restores salary thresholds from 2019, forcing employers to reassess classifications.
On January 1, 2025, nearly 70 minimum wage hikes take effect nationwide. Pay transparency laws are also spreading. These laws require businesses to disclose salary ranges, build trust, and avoid penalties.
AI and data privacy remain pressing concerns. As AI adoption grows, states are passing laws to address potential risks. These laws focus on hiring bias, copyright issues, and data breaches.
Eight states, including Iowa and Maryland, will enact new privacy laws by October 2025. Businesses must balance compliance with innovation.
Companies should stay informed to prepare. Monitoring regulations at every level is essential. Platforms like Paychex Flex® simplify compliance management.
The regulatory landscape for 2025 will challenge small and medium-sized businesses. However, companies can thrive by addressing taxes, retirement, leave policies, wages, and AI.