Review your check dates for the new year

Since there are 52 weeks + 1 day (+ 2 on leap years) in a year, the calendar shifts annually. Over time, those extra days add up, causing an extra check date periodically, based on when your check date falls. 

   Weekly Payrolls

Certain years may have 53 check dates instead of 52. 

For example, in 2026, there are 53 Thursdays. 

Bi-weekly Payrolls

Less frequent; some years may have 27 check dates instead of 26. 

If your pay schedule results in additional pay dates during the upcoming year

Review deductions for benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and other plans. Insurance carriers typically bill on a monthly or annual basis and do not automatically adjust for extra pay periods. 

To help ensure accurate deductions, we recommend reviewing before year-end

• Confirm your 2026 pay schedule to determine if an extra pay date will occur. 

• Decide how you would like to handle benefit deductions for the year (continue standard deductions or adjust to spread deductions across all pay dates). 

• Enter your employee deduction changes accordingly. If you need assistance, communicate any deduction changes to your Payroll Support Team before processing your first payroll of the new year. 

Our team is available to help you review your pay schedule and make any necessary adjustments to ensure deductions align with your organization’s goals and benefit plan requirements.