New Year's Day
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Stay on Track with Payroll During the New Year Holiday
Thursday, January 1, is a federal banking holiday. On this date, the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers, which can delay direct deposit payments. If your payday is scheduled on or just after this holiday, it’s important to plan ahead and submit payroll early to ensure timely payments.
For example, if employees are supposed to be paid on Thursday, January 1, you should move the check date to Wednesday, December 31, and send payroll to Beyond by Monday, December 29.
If your payday is Friday, January 2, you don’t need to change the check date – but payroll must still be submitted one business day in advance to avoid delays.
Note: These recommendations are based on a 2-day processing window. If your payroll uses a 4-day turnaround, submission is due by Thursday, December 25. More details below.
2-Day Payroll Processing Deadlines
Payday
Submission Deadline*
Draft Date
Check Date
Wednesday 12/31
Monday 12/29
Tuesday 12/30
Wednesday 12/31
Thursday 1/1
Monday 12/29
Tuesday 12/30
Wednesday 12/31
Friday 1/2
Tuesday 12/30
Wednesday 12/31
Friday 1/2
Monday 1/5
Wednesday 12/31
Friday 1/2
Monday 1/5
4-Day Payroll Processing Deadlines
If your business uses a 4-day processing schedule, be sure to submit by the dates below to prevent any disruption in payroll – especially around New Year’s Day.
Payday
Submission Deadline
Draft Date
Check Date
Wednesday 12/31
Thursday 12/25
Friday 12/26
Wednesday 12/31
Thursday 1/1
Thursday 12/25
Friday 12/26
Wednesday 12/31
Friday 1/2
Friday 12/26
Monday 12/29
Friday 1/2
Monday 1/5
Monday 12/29
Tuesday 12/30
Monday 1/5
Tuesday 1/6
Tuesday 12/30
Wednesday 12/31
Tuesday 1/6
Wednesday 1/7
Thursday 1/1
Friday 1/2
Wednesday 1/7
*Beyond’s payroll submission cutoff is 11:30 PM ET. Payrolls submitted after this time will be processed on the next business day. If the submission date falls on a holiday, you may still submit before 11:30 PM ET without affecting turnaround time.