The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) true-up due date for private employers is August 31, 2026.

Every year, Ohio's private employers are required to reconcile their workers' compensation premiums through a process the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) calls the "true-up." For the current policy year, the deadline falls on August 31, 2026. Missing this date can trigger penalties and put your participation in BWC savings programs at risk — so it's worth understanding what the process involves and how to prepare.

What Is the BWC True-Up?

Ohio private employers pay workers' compensation premiums based on estimated payroll figures at the start of each policy year. The true-up is how the BWC reconciles those estimates against your actual payroll once the year is complete. If you paid too little in premiums, you'll owe the difference. If you paid too much, you may receive a credit. Either way, completing the true-up accurately and on time is a legal requirement for Ohio employers who carry state-fund workers' compensation coverage.

What You Need to Complete the True-Up

Getting organized ahead of the August 31 deadline makes the process significantly smoother. Before you log into the BWC's online portal, gather the following:

• Actual payroll totals broken down by each job classification code you reported during the policy year

• Payroll records such as payroll registers, W-2 summaries, or reports from your payroll provider

• Officer and owner compensation details, since these figures may be treated differently under BWC rules.

• Your BWC policy number and online account login credentials

If your business uses subcontractors, confirm whether any of those workers should be included in your payroll totals. Misclassifying workers or omitting payroll can lead to audits or premium adjustments down the road.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

The BWC takes the August 31 due date seriously. Employers who fail to complete their true-up on time may face:

• Loss of eligibility. Failing to true-up and pay on time removes your policy from all discount and rebate programs, making you ineligible for future savings.

• No Grace Period: There is no grace period for true-up reports and payments. Reports and any owed payments must be posted by the deadline.

Even if your business had zero payroll activity during the policy year, you are still generally required to log in and report that to the BWC. A zero-payroll report still counts as a completed true-up.

Tips for a Smooth True-Up Process

A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few practical steps to take before the deadline arrives:

• Pull your payroll reports now rather than waiting until late August when your team may be stretched thin

• Confirm your BWC online account access is working — password resets can take time

• Review your classification codes to make sure all employee roles were reported correctly throughout the year

• If you work with a payroll provider or HR partner, loop them in early so they can pull the specific reports the BWC requires

Navigating Ohio workers' compensation requirements doesn't have to be stressful. If you have questions about the true-up process, your current BWC coverage, or how to make sure your business stays in good standing, the team at Spooner Inc is here to help. Reach out to us today and let's make sure you're ready well before the August 31 deadline.