On May 7, 2020, the Federal government announced the EEO-1 reporting process would be delayed by a year. Therefore, the next reporting deadline is now March 2021. EEO-1 reports, which were due by March 31, 2020 are now officially postponed since the tool was not opened timely the nation’s employers are dealing with “unique and urgent” issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated “The EEOC recognizes the impact that the current public health emergency is having on workplaces across America and the challenges that both employers and employees alike are now facing,” The announcement went on to say “Delaying the collections until 2021 will ensure that EEO filers are better positioned to provide accurate, valid and reliable data in a timely manner.”
The filings are generally due by March 31, but the EEOC had not opened the collection process that would have permitted businesses to submit their 2019 data to the agency. The EEOC requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget to renew the authorization to require the reports months ago, but the approval was not forthcoming, as stated on the EEO-1 report website. This left businesses that are required to report, uncertain of what their obligations were.