If you thought navigating last year’s compliance season was tricky, hold onto your hats — 2025 is shaping up to be even more unpredictable. With a new administration shaking things up, ACA reporting requirements in flux, and increasing scrutiny from the IRS, HR leaders have their work cut out for them.

In his recent Forbes Council article, Tim Pratte, CEO of Selerix, breaks down the looming compliance challenges and offers actionable strategies for HR teams preparing for the year ahead.

So, what can HR teams actually count on?

For starters, ACA reporting is getting a rare break: some administrative burdens around Forms 1095-B and C have been reduced, though accuracy and timely filing remain non-negotiable. 

But don’t breathe easy just yet. The IRS might be under pressure due to budget shifts and staffing shake-ups, but their vigilance on ACA compliance and proper employee classification is as fierce as ever.

Meanwhile, executive actions on healthcare — from drug pricing transparency to health plan compliance — are creating additional layers of complexity. And if you’re operating across multiple states, brace yourself: new data privacy regulations inspired by GDPR are popping up in California, Colorado, and Virginia, with more states likely to follow suit.

And then there’s what we don’t know…

In this article, Tim highlights the uncomfortable reality that plenty of major policy shifts are still question marks. No one holds a crystal ball, but we could see pivots in ACA, potentially altering affordability standards or essential health benefits. Paid family and medical leave remains a patchwork of state-specific rules, with a possible federal mandate still in limbo. Add remote work’s impact on taxes and benefits and the potential for a new federal data privacy law, and it’s clear HR teams must stay agile.

But fear not — there’s a game plan:

The most valuable part of Tim’s insights? A clear roadmap for HR to move from reactive compliance management to proactive readiness. Here’s just a preview:

• Start Early: Secure your ACA and tax filing processes immediately—procrastination for 2025 filing season year isn’t an option.
• Stay Calm but Alert: Focus on confirmed changes instead of every regulatory whisper. Tap into expert networks to distinguish noise from necessities.
• Flexible Tech is Key: Choose HR platforms that easily adapt to regulatory shifts, minimizing manual work and ensuring seamless integration between payroll, benefits, and compliance.
• Train and Audit: Ensure your team knows compliance responsibilities inside and out, and run internal audits to uncover hidden risks early.
• Build a Backup Plan: Develop strategies for responding swiftly if unexpected legislative changes arrive.

By prioritizing flexibility, proactive planning, and the right partnerships, HR leaders can turn compliance from a headache into a competitive edge. To dive deeper into exactly how, read Tim’s full article on Forbes here.