Contractors across New York State are facing a major compliance update in 2026—new certified payroll reporting rules are now in effect, and understanding them is essential to keep your projects moving.
As of January 1, 2026, contractors and subcontractors working on projects covered by Article 8 of NYS Labor Law must comply with new reporting requirements from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to learn more check out: NYS Open Legislation.
Under this mandate:
- Certified payroll records must be submitted electronically through the NYSDOL Certified Payroll portal.
- Payroll information must be reported every 30 days, ensuring timely compliance and transparency.
Why This Matters
These updates reflect NYSDOL’s commitment to transparency and compliance in public works. By moving to an electronic system, the state aims to reduce errors, improve recordkeeping, and protect workers’ rights. Understanding these requirements is critical, and failure to comply can lead to penalties or delays in project approvals.
Contractors and subcontractors must furnish certified payroll records as required. Failure to submit these records within the mandated timeframe may result in penalties of $100 per day, following a 14-day grace period. In addition, any contractor or subcontractor who does not provide employee-related records under this section will be subject to a $100/day penalty assessed by the fiscal officer. Staying compliant helps avoid costly fines and ensures projects move forward without unnecessary delays.
What You Need to Do
- Register on the Certified Payroll portal if you haven’t already.
- Create your project profile following NYSDOL’s guidelines.
- Submit payroll reports every 30 days for the duration of the project.
To assist contractors, NYSDOL has published a step-by-step user guide that explains how to create a new project and submit payroll reports. This resource is essential for navigating the new system.
Need Help?
OneGroup is here to support your business through regulatory changes. If you have questions about compliance or need guidance on risk management strategies, reach out to Brett Findlay, SVP, Practice Leader–Construction, at BFindlay@OneGroup.com for more information.
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