EEO-1 Reporting Requirements: A Complete Guide

EEO-1 Reporting Deadline 2024 

Recently submitted documents to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) indicate a proposed open data collection date for EEO-1 Reports of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with the deadline for filing the report to be Tuesday, June 24, 2025. According to the Instruction Booklet, there will not be any extension for filing, like in years prior, beyond June 24, 2025, at 11 AM EST. 

There was also a request to remove non-binary from the reporting options to align with Executive Order 14168. In addition, there was a request for more guidance for small federal contractors who have between 50 – 100 employees. Right now, Title VII requires private employers with 100 or more employees to file an EEO-1 Report, while OFCCP regulations require other federal contractors with 50 or more employees to file. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when all changes regarding the 2024 EEO-1 Report are final and officially announced.  

Preparation and filing of your annual EEO-1 report is an important aspect of your HR compliance program. This guide covers everything you need to know about the EEO-1 filing deadline and compliance, best practices, and how to simplify the process.  We also have an EEO-1 Reporting checklist to help walk you through the steps needed to stay compliant with your filing.

The EEO-1 report collects data on the race, gender, and ethnicity of your employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) uses the data from this report to assess hiring practices and promote fair employment across the U.S. But beyond legal compliance, the EEO-1 Report is also an opportunity to highlight your company’s commitment to diversity.  

The process can be detailed and time consuming for HR, so understanding the filing process and knowing how to submit your report efficiently is essential for avoiding potential issues and penalties.  

What Is the EEO-1 Report?  

The EEO-1 report is a detailed report that certain employers are required to file with the EEOC. The government uses the demographic data about your workforce to monitor hiring trends and ensure compliance with civil rights laws.  

The main purposes of the EEO-1 Report is to:  

• Collect workforce demographic data by race, gender, and ethnicity of employees.  

• Identify and analyze potential patterns of discrimination.  

• Help improve diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace.  

 The EEOC plays a critical role in analyzing workplace diversity, using EEO-1 data to track progress on reducing racial and gender disparities. While individual submissions remain confidential, aggregate data helps shape employment policies and future labor laws. 

Who Needs to File an EEO-1 Report?  

Employers subject to EEO-1 reporting requirements must file if they fall into one of these categories:  

• Private-sector employers with 100 or more employees  

• Federal contractors with 50 or more employees and at least $50,000 in federal contracts  

Additionally, employers must also categorize employees based on race, gender, and job type to comply with reporting standards. These federal EEO-1 reporting requirements help maintain transparency in hiring practices and ensure businesses follow equal employment laws.  

EEO-1 Reporting Requirements and Deadlines  

The EEO-1 filing deadline varies from year to year. Be sure to check the latest filing deadlines on the EEOC’s website to avoid missing out.  

Employers must submit workforce demographic data categorized as follows:  

• Job categories like management, professionals, technicians  

• Race and ethnicity breakdowns like White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and two or more races 

• Gender breakdown like male and female  

Failing to file an EEO-1 report can result in fines, penalties, or even litigation. It can also damage your company’s reputation and have a negative impact on the overall business.  

How to File an EEO-1 Report  

Filing an EEO-1 report requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the process. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:  

1. Gather Employee Demographic Information  
   1. Ensure that all employees' gender, race, and ethnicity data are up to date.  
   2. Categorize employees by job role and function.  
2. Log Into the EEOC’s EEO-1 Online Filing Portal
   1. Create an account or log in if you already have one.  
   2. Enter your business details and follow the prompts to input the necessary data.  
3. Submit Your Data
   1. Carefully input the required information regarding employee demographics and job categories.  
   2. Review the data for accuracy before submitting.  
4. Finalize and Submit
   1. Once everything is entered and reviewed, submit your EEO-1 report online.  

While the process may seem simple, it can quickly become overwhelming due to the volume of data involved. That’s why many companies choose to outsource EEO-1 reporting to compliance experts like OutSolve.  

Why Outsource EEO-1 Reporting to HR Compliance Experts?  

Working with  OutSolve can save you time, reduce the risk of errors, and support compliance with the EEO-1 filing deadline. Here’s why partnering with an HR compliance expert can benefit your organization:  

• Expert Guidance: OutSolve’s team of professionals are well-versed in the aspects of the EEO-1 reporting requirements. They stay up to date on regulatory changes, ensuring your company’s filing is compliant.  

• Error-Free Submissions: Mistakes on the EEO-1 report can result in penalties. OutSolve helps prevent common mistakes, such as incorrect demographic categorization or missing data.  

• Time Savings: Outsourcing the report filing allows your HR team to focus on other important tasks while OutSolve handles the time-consuming process.  

• Custom Solutions: Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, OutSolve tailors its services to meet your specific needs and industry requirements.  

• Ongoing Support: Even after the report is filed, OutSolve provides continued support, helping your company maintain compliance year-round.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid in EEO-1 Reporting  

When it comes to filing your EEO-1 report, attention to detail is crucial. Some common mistakes to avoid include:  

• Incorrect Categorization: Misclassifying employees by race, gender, or job category is one of the most common errors.  

• Missing or Inaccurate Data: If data is missing or inaccurate, it can lead to delays or penalties.  

• Late Filing: Always check the EEO-1 filing deadline to ensure your report is submitted on time.  

• Failure to Update Employee Information: Outdated demographic data can cause issues. Make sure to regularly update employee details throughout the year.  

• Errors When Submitting: Navigating the EEOC portal can be tricky for those unfamiliar with it, which is where an HR advisory firm can be beneficial.  

By working with OutSolve, you can avoid these common pitfalls and proceed with a smooth reporting process.  

Best Practices for EEO-1 Compliance  

Staying compliant with EEO-1 reporting requirements is an ongoing process. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:  

• Maintain Accurate Records: Regularly update your employee data to ensure accurate reporting at the time of filing.  

• Promote Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Encourage diversity and inclusion efforts across your organization. Not only does this improve workplace culture, but it also strengthens your EEO-1 data.  

• Leverage HR Technology: Utilize HR software that can help track demographic data and streamline the reporting process. This can save time and reduce the chance of human error.  

What EEO-1 Reporting Means for Your Organization  

EEO-1 Reporting compliance is more than just a legal requirement, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to a more inclusive workplace. By staying on top of deadlines, maintaining accurate data, and filing on time, your company can avoid penalties and strengthen its workplace culture.   

Outsourcing your EEO-1 reporting to experts like OutSolve can save you time, reduce risk, and ensure your organization stays compliant. For more information or to get started, click here and let us take the burden of the report off your plate.  

Continue the conversation about EEO-1 reports and all HR compliance related matters in HR Gumbo City, our vibrant Slack community where HR professionals can gather to share ideas and learn best practices.