District of Columbia HR law changes

Federal changes (apply in every state)

EffectiveWhereTopicChangeWho it coversSource
2026-01-01Federal (US)Payroll & tax2026 Form W-4 adds deductions for qualified tips and overtime (Step 4(b))
Employers must use an employee's updated W-4 if one is submitted.
All employers that withhold federal income taxSource 1 Source 2
2026-01-01Federal (US)Payroll & taxQualified overtime must be reported on 2026 Forms W-2 (box 12, code TT)
Applies to tax year 2026 W-2s; 2025 had transition relief.
Employers paying FLSA-required overtimeSource 1 Source 2
2026-02-27Federal (US)Joint employerNLRB restores 2020 joint-employer standard after vacated 2023 rule
Replaces vacated 2023 rule text with the 2020 rule at 29 CFR 103.40.
Employers covered by the NLRASource 1 Source 2
2026-05-15Federal (US)OvertimeDOL restores pre-2024 overtime exemption salary rules (technical amendment)
Implements court judgments vacating the 2024 overtime rule; reinstates the 2019 regulatory text.
Employers covered by the FLSASource
2026-08-01Federal (US)I-9 & E-VerifyOnly the Form I-9 version expiring 05/31/2027 may be used
Older 08/01/23 edition expiring 07/31/2026 no longer valid; electronic systems had to update by 07/31/2026.
All employersSource 1 Source 2

State and local changes

EffectiveWhereTopicChangeWho it coversSource
2026-07-01District of ColumbiaMinimum wageDC minimum wage rises to $18.40
Annual CPI adjustment.
All employersSource