What states does C2Essentials serve?

C2Essentials currently operates in the following states: VA, MD, DC, PA, NC.

Is C2Essentials IRS CPEO certified?

Yes, C2Essentials is an IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO). This certification means they have met strict financial, reporting, and background requirements set by the IRS, providing additional tax advantages and liability protections for client companies.

What size companies does C2Essentials work with?

C2Essentials typically serves businesses with 5 to 300 employees. If your company is outside this range, contact them directly to discuss your options.

What services does C2Essentials provide?

C2Essentials offers the following HR and employer services: Payroll Processing, Employee Benefits, HR Management, Workers Compensation, Compliance Support.

How do I get a quote from C2Essentials?

You can request a no-obligation quote from C2Essentials by filling out the form on this page. A PEO specialist will review your business details and connect you within one business day.

C2Essentials

IRS CPEO CertifiedRegional PEO

Chantilly, VA·Founded 2010·5-300 employees

No reviews yet·

States Served

Services

Industries

5-300

Employees

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C2Essentials

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About C2Essentials

C2 Essentials is a Chantilly, Virginia-based IRS CPEO certified Professional Employer Organization founded in 1996 by Jackie Asencio — formerly an HR manager for a federal government contractor who launched C2 to deliver outsourced HR services to federal contractors and service-oriented businesses in the Washington, D.C. metro area. C2 has grown to serve clients in all 50 states and 17 countries, establishing itself as one of the leading PEOs specializing in federal contractor HR compliance. The company offers both PEO and ASO service models, providing payroll and tax administration, benefits and healthcare reform management, recruiting, employer liability management, and a specialized federal contracting services suite that includes Affirmative Action Plans, Service Contract Act compliance, Defense Base Act support, EEO-1 reporting, VETS-4212 reporting, and ethics training.

IRS Certification

IRS Certified PEO (CPEO)

Certification active · Verified by PEO Authority

Certified ✓

The IRS Certified PEO (CPEO) designation is awarded by the Internal Revenue Service to PEO companies that meet rigorous standards for financial health, tax compliance, and operational integrity. C2Essentials holds CPEO status — a distinction held by fewer than 15% of PEOs in the United States.

Federal Tax Liability

As a CPEO, C2Essentials assumes sole liability for federal employment taxes on wages paid — protecting your business from tax exposure.

Annual Financial Audits

CPEOs undergo independent CPA audits annually and must maintain a surety bond, ensuring fiscal accountability and solvency.

IRS Reporting

C2Essentials files employment taxes under their own EIN as CPEO, simplifying your year-end tax obligations and eliminating duplicate filings.

Why businesses choose C2Essentials

✓IRS CPEO certified — maximum federal tax protections for co-employment clients

✓Founded 1996 — 25+ years specializing in federal contractor HR compliance

✓Federal contracting suite: Affirmative Action Plans, Service Contract Act, Defense Base Act, EEO-1

✓Serves clients in all 50 states and 17 countries — national and international reach

✓Both PEO and ASO service models available — flexible co-employment or administrative arrangements

✓Deep Washington D.C. metro area expertise with strong federal contractor client base

✓Certified HR professionals providing expert guidance on government contracting requirements

Company Details

Headquarters

Chantilly, VA

Founded

2010

Employees Served

5-300

CPEO Certified

Yes - IRS Verified

Coverage

5 states

Company Type

Regional PEO

C2Essentials in Your State

Browse PEO options and compare providers in each state where C2Essentials operates.

Maryland North Carolina Pennsylvania Virginia

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓

Federal contractor expertise

Specialized compliance in AAP, Service Contract Act, Defense Base Act — rare among PEOs.

✓

IRS CPEO certified

Maximum federal tax liability protections for client businesses.

✓

Washington D.C. market depth

Founded in the heart of the federal contractor market — deep local expertise.

✓

International reach

Serves clients in 17 countries alongside domestic operations.

✓

Dual service models

Both PEO co-employment and ASO administrative arrangements available.

−

Cons

−

Federal contractor focus

Specialized model — less differentiated for non-government businesses.

−

Smaller scale

Less benefits buying power than the largest national PEOs.

−

No transparent pricing

Custom quotes required — no published rates online.

PEO Authority Editorial Note

C2 Essentials is the go-to PEO for federal contractors in the Washington D.C. area. The specialized compliance expertise in Affirmative Action, Service Contract Act, and Defense Base Act is a genuine differentiator that most PEOs cannot replicate. Best for: federal contractors, defense contractors, and government service providers that need specialized HR compliance alongside standard PEO co-employment services.

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