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Pay Report Deadline

ByMichael R. Trust, Esq.
Michael Trust Law, APC logo

California’s annual pay data reporting deadline is May 13, 2026. The California Civil Rights Department has published preliminary templates and guidance clarifying new requirements for reporting year 2025 data.

What employers must report

Covered employers must submit detailed compensation information broken down by establishment, job category, sex, race, and ethnicity. The reporting includes median and mean hourly rates within each category.

New for 2026: The CRD has clarified requirements for reporting contractors and temporary workers. Employers must now include certain contract workers in their submissions if those workers constitute a significant portion of the workforce. The preliminary templates provide specific thresholds and calculation methods.

Who must file by May 13

The submission deadline of May 13, 2026, applies to private employers with 100 or more employees. This count includes both California-based employees and employees working in California for out-of-state employers.

Penalties for failing to file

Failure to file can result in penalties starting at several thousand dollars per violation. The CRD has enforcement authority and actively pursues non-compliant employers.

Employers should begin compiling data now. The reporting process requires coordination between HR, payroll, and legal compliance teams. Waiting until May creates unnecessary risk.

Have you reviewed the new templates? Do you know which workers must be included in your count?

#EmploymentLaw #CaliforniaLaw #PayEquity #HRCompliance #CRD

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered and is not legal advice, and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is recommended to consult with an attorney directly for specific guidance pertaining to your business or individual situation.

This post shares general information based on common patterns I see in California workplaces. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and outcomes depend on specific facts — no lawyer can guarantee a result. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. AI may have been used to create this post. All content reviewed by a CA attorney before publication. This post may be attorney advertising.

Michael Trust Law, APC, 703 Pier Avenue, Ste. B367, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254: michaeltrustlaw.com

Michael R. Trust, Esq.

California Employment Attorney | Former HR Executive

Michael R. Trust is the founder of Michael Trust Law, APC. He is a California-licensed employment attorney and a Certified California Mediator, and he led HR functions for more than 35 years before practicing law. He holds the SPHR, PHRca, and SHRM-SCP credentials and represents California employees and employers. See Disclaimers for the scope of our practice.

About Michael