Contractors + payroll · 6 min

A pre-submission certified-payroll checklist

Source reviewed Jul 23, 2026Self-help field guide

The most useful precheck is a repeatable sequence, not a last-minute hunt for one wage rate. Work from the contract document outward and preserve the evidence behind every exception.

This checklist is a screening aid. Agency instructions and unusual facts still control the final submission.

Document and project

Confirm the incorporated wage determination, decision and modification, county, construction type, applicable contract clauses, and the work period.

If the source document or project match is uncertain, resolve that before relying on any rate math.

  • Contract wage determination and amendments saved
  • County and construction type matched
  • Decision and modification recorded
  • Missing classifications routed for review

Workers and pay

Match classifications to work performed, separate multi-classification hours, reconcile base and fringe treatment, review overtime, and support every deduction and benefit credit.

Keep apprentice registration, progression, ratio, and program documents with the payroll file.

  • No full SSNs in the submission
  • Straight-time and overtime hours reconcile
  • Gross, deductions, and net pay reconcile
  • Cash fringe and plan credit are separately supported

Submission packet

Check payroll numbering, week-ending date, project identifiers, wage determination numbers, worker rows, and the signed Statement of Compliance. Keep the submission and supporting records together.

Use the contract document and agency instructions for the final decision · this guide does not approve classifications or certify compliance