Individual employers can rely upon reasonable notice of changes to reporting requirements: If nothing else, their quarterly payroll tax form received in the mail will have new boxes with instructions.

However, payroll firms often file electronically or computer-generate report forms, and need to know about changes and new requirements well in advance. Member firms often quote a minimum of six to nine-months of lead time for major changes in order to perform necessary tasks, such as:

• Change computer software to prompt clients for and collect the information
• Distribute and install software changes
• Notify and train clients about changes
• Collect relevant data
• Change computer software to report the information
• Test all software changes for quality assurance

NPRC serves to educate government agencies about the need for early notice, improve communications between agencies and affected business partners, and occasionally negotiate for appropriate extensions for significant changes.