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Employers are legally required to identify, track, report, and remit unclaimed wages to the appropriate state agencies, yet many organizations remain unaware of the extensive compliance obligations associated with abandoned wage laws and unclaimed property regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements can expose businesses to significant penalties, interest assessments, audit exposure, and potential enforcement actions.
This webinar is designed to provide payroll and HR professionals with a practical understanding of how abandoned wage laws apply to payroll operations and what employers must do to remain compliant with evolving 2026 state reporting requirements.
Participants will learn when wages are legally considered abandoned, how state escheatment laws impact payroll departments, and what due diligence procedures employers must follow before remitting unclaimed wages to the state.
The session will also explore employer responsibilities related to recordkeeping, reporting procedures, safeguarding unclaimed wages, audit preparation, and internal payroll controls designed to reduce compliance risks and prevent costly payroll errors.
Through practical examples, procedural guidance, and compliance-focused instruction, attendees will gain actionable strategies for managing unclaimed wage obligations while strengthening payroll compliance processes and protecting their organizations from unnecessary liability.
Overview of abandoned wages and unclaimed property compliance requirements
Defining and identifying abandoned or unclaimed wages
Understanding state escheatment laws and payroll compliance obligations
Determining when wages are legally classified as abandoned
Employer responsibilities for:
Understanding state-by-state reporting and dormancy requirements
Payroll liabilities associated with noncompliance
Potential fines, penalties, interest assessments, and enforcement risks
Due diligence procedures required before remitting unclaimed wages
Employee notification and correspondence requirements
Tracking and documenting unclaimed wage communications
Establishing payroll controls for abandoned wage management
Safeguarding unclaimed wage funds and payroll records
Preventing unauthorized release of abandoned wages
Managing payroll audit preparation and documentation retention
Responding to state audits and compliance reviews
Best practices for payroll departments handling unclaimed wages
Coordination between payroll, accounting, and compliance teams
Improving payroll recordkeeping and reporting accuracy
Practical strategies for reducing payroll compliance exposure
Real-world examples of abandoned wage reporting challenges
Payroll Managers and Payroll Professionals
HR Managers and HR Compliance Personnel
Payroll Tax Specialists
Accounting and Finance Professionals
Controllers and Operational Managers
Compliance and Risk Management Professionals
Business Owners and Employers
Accounts Payable and Payroll Administrators
Professionals responsible for wage reporting and payroll compliance
Organizations managing multi-state payroll operations
Anyone seeking practical guidance on abandoned wage and unclaimed property compliance requirements
HRCI Credits: 1.5
SHRM Credits: 1.5
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based
Session Format: Live Virtual Webinar with Q&A
Program Level: Basic to Intermediate
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with payroll processes recommended
Attendance Requirement: Required for live credit
LIVE means you can attend the class in real time on the scheduled date and time.
The link to join the class will be shared with you 30 minutes to 1 hour before the class begins.
On-Demand means you can watch the recorded class at your convenience.
The link to access the class will be shared 48 hours after the commencement date of the live class.
You can let us know your preferred date to receive the link.
Note: Once the link is shared, you can access the class for three (3) days.
Web Download allows you to download the class recording for offline viewing.
The download link will be shared with you within 48 working hours after the commencement of the class.
An e-Transcript is a written text version of the entire class session.
It is useful for note-taking, revision, and quick reference.
The e-Transcript download link will be shared within 48 working hours after the commencement of the class.
This option includes: