If you're still using the outdated WH-347 certified payroll form, you're not alone. Our sales team hears it every day: "We'll switch when we have to."
Here's the problem—that time is almost here.
The updated WH-347 form isn't a suggestion. It's a federal requirement. And after September 30, 2026, the old form will no longer be valid for certified payroll reporting on government contracts.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
We get it. Form changes feel like unnecessary bureaucracy when you're trying to run projects, manage crews, and hit deadlines. But this isn't just paperwork, it's your ability to work on federal contracts.
The risks of non-compliance are severe:
- Back wages owed to employees
- Significant financial fines
- Contract termination mid-project
- Withholding of government payments
- Debarment from future federal contracts for up to three years
- In cases of willful violations: criminal charges and potential imprisonment
One overlooked form update could cost you three years of federal contract eligibility—or worse.
What's Actually Changing?
The new WH-347 form addresses gaps in the old system and introduces requirements designed to protect workers and ensure compliance:
Expanded Fringe Benefits Reporting
You must now specify whether fringe benefits are paid in cash or contributed to approved plans (health insurance, pension, training programs). Generic entries won't cut it anymore.
Clearer Job Classifications
Misclassification has been a major compliance issue. The updated form requires precise job classifications to prevent workers from being underpaid for skilled work.
Standard vs. Overtime Hours
Accurate tracking of regular and overtime hours is now mandatory, with stricter reporting fields to ensure proper wage calculations.
Digital Recordkeeping & Electronic Submission
The DOL is pushing for electronic submissions and digital record maintenance. If you're still managing certified payroll with spreadsheets and paper files, you're going to struggle with these new requirements.
Increased Enforcement
The Department of Labor has strengthened oversight. Incomplete or incorrect reports now trigger faster penalties, project delays, and heightened scrutiny on all your future submissions.
Watch our detailed breakdown of the 2025 WH-347 changes to see exactly what's different and how it impacts your reporting.
The Real Cost of Waiting
"I'll deal with it later" works, until it doesn't.
Every day you delay switching to the new form is another day of:
- Risk exposure if audited on current projects
- Lost time learning the new requirements under pressure
- Potential errors when scrambling to comply at the deadline
Contractors who wait until September 2026 will be learning a new system while trying to stay compliant on active projects. That's a recipe for mistakes, stress, and costly penalties.
Make the Switch Easy (We'll Help)
The good news? You don't have to figure this out alone.
Points North's Certified Payroll Reporting software is already updated to reflect the latest WH-347 requirements. Our platform:
✓ Automatically generates compliant forms with the new fields
✓ Maintains digital records for easy electronic submission
✓ Ensures accurate job classifications and fringe benefit reporting
✓ Reduces human error with automated validation checks
We handle the compliance heavy lifting so you can focus on running your projects, not stressing over paperwork.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
You have until September 30, 2026 to transition to the new WH-347 form. But why wait?
The contractors who get ahead of this change will avoid the last-minute rush, protect their federal contract eligibility, and ensure their teams are properly trained before the deadline hits.
Ready to make the switch?
Schedule a demo and see how Points North can simplify your certified payroll reporting, today and beyond.
Or, if you want to dive deeper into certified payroll compliance, check out our comprehensive guide: WH-347 Updates: 2025 Certified Payroll Reports
Questions about the WH-347 updates? Contact our team or call us at 888-561-2072 Ext. 2. We're here to help you stay compliant and competitive.
