EEO-1 Filing Opens May 20: What Employers Need to Know

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will open the 2024 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection on May 20, 2025, with a filing deadline of June 24, 2025. All private employers with 100 or more employees and federal contractors with at least 50 employees should prepare for the reporting requirements now.

Key Update: Non-Binary Reporting Removed

As of this reporting cycle, the EEOC will no longer accept non-binary as a category for sex. Following an executive order issued in January 2025, the federal government will now only recognize binary sex options (male and female) for reporting purposes. The EEOC’s instruction booklet has been updated accordingly.

Uncertainty for Federal Contractors with Fewer than 100 Employees

Federal contractors with 50–99 employees may not be required to file this year, pending further clarification. This follows recent changes to federal guidelines related to reporting obligations. Employers in this group should monitor updates closely.

What Employers Should Do Now

1. Choose a Workforce Snapshot Date

Select a payroll period between October 1 and December 31, 2024 as your "snapshot" date. If your organization employed 100 or more workers at any point in Q4 2024, you are required to file.

2. Categorize Employees by Job Function

Ensure job titles align with EEOC’s standardized categories:

• (1.1) Executive/Senior-Level Officials & Managers

• (1.2) First/Mid-Level Officials & Managers

• (2) Professionals

• (3) Technicians

• (4) Sales Workers

• (5) Administrative Support Workers

• (6) Craft Workers

• (7) Operatives

• (8) Laborers & Helpers

• (9) Service Workers

3. Collect and Verify Demographic Data

Continue giving employees the option to self-identify their sex and race/ethnicity. If an employee chooses not to self-identify, employers may use visual observation. Categories remain unchanged:

• Hispanic or Latino

• White (Not Hispanic or Latino)

• Black or African American (Not Hispanic or Latino)

• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Not Hispanic or Latino)

• Asian (Not Hispanic or Latino)

• Native American or Alaska Native (Not Hispanic or Latino)

• Two or More Races (Not Hispanic or Latino)

4. Assign a Point of Contact

Designate an internal lead to handle the EEO-1 submission. The individual must:

• File electronically using the EEOC’s online system

• Certify the accuracy of the report

• Follow appropriate instructions for new filers or changes in contact information

5. File Early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Technical issues can delay submission, and extensions are rarely granted. Filing on time helps ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary stress.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions about your EEO-1 reporting obligations, contact your CIP Group HR Business Partner at HR@askcip.com or call 857-829-3330 for guidance.