Get Ahead of Year-End Compliance: Key Steps for Produce and Food Services Businesses
As the year winds down, businesses in the produce and food service industries face
critical compliance tasks that, if neglected, could lead to penalties or operational
disruptions. October presents the perfect opportunity to get ahead by reviewing internal
policies and preparing for key deadlines. By addressing these areas now, you can
ensure a smoother transition into 2025, keeping your business compliant and ready for
the year ahead. Here are three key areas to focus on:
Tax Reporting Preparations
Year-end tax filing can be a daunting task, but starting early can reduce the stress and
ensure accuracy. In particular, businesses need to prepare for health insurance
coverage reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This includes gathering
employee records, coverage details, and other relevant data required for ACA filings.
Employers who provide health insurance must meet specific reporting deadlines to
avoid penalties from the IRS, so having these documents in order now will help you
meet those requirements seamlessly. Accurate tax preparation not only ensures
compliance but also builds a strong financial foundation for your business in the coming
year.
Health and Safety Audits
The produce and food service industries are heavily reliant on hands-on labor, making
workplace safety a top priority. Performing a comprehensive audit of your health and
safety practices can help prevent accidents and avoid costly fines for non-compliance
with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. This is
especially critical in food service environments, where workers face a variety of hazards
—from hot surfaces and heavy machinery to slip-and-fall risks. For agricultural
operations, attention to equipment safety, chemical handling, and labor conditions is
vital. Regular audits identify risks, allowing you to make necessary adjustments before
they lead to injuries or citations, ensuring your workplace remains safe and productive.
Payroll and Overtime Adjustments
Recent wage and overtime regulations may have affected your payroll system,
especially in California, where labor laws are often more stringent than in other states.
It’s essential to ensure that your payroll systems are up-to-date and fully compliant with
these changes. Missteps in paying wages or overtime can lead to costly lawsuits and
damage employee morale. Take time this month to review your payroll structure, check
that all employees are classified correctly, and ensure that any new laws governing
overtime pay are being followed. Proper payroll compliance helps protect your business
from penalties while fostering trust and satisfaction among your employees.
Why Start Now?
By taking proactive steps in October, you’ll not only stay ahead of compliance
requirements but also minimize the risk of last-minute scrambles. A thoughtful review of
these key areas—tax reporting, health and safety audits, and payroll compliance—helps
ensure that your business operates smoothly as the year closes. More importantly, this
preparation sets your team up for success in 2025, allowing you to focus on growth and
operational excellence without the distraction of compliance headaches.
By planning ahead, you’ll safeguard your business against penalties and set the stage
for a successful new year. Make the most of October and enter 2025 compliant,
confident, and ready to thrive!
For more information, email Richard Arias at richard.arias@apdbla.com