Year-End 2026: Key Dates and Deadlines
Year-end moves fast. Use this page to plan ahead, avoid fees, and make sure your W-2s go out clean.
Get Ahead Before the Deadlines
These aren’t tied to a specific date but knocking them out early makes everything below go smoother.
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Run your W-2 Preview
Review year-to-date payroll information so there is time to correct names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and wage details before forms are created. -
Check overtime and tip setup for the new 2026 W-2
The 2026 W-2 adds new Box 12 reporting for qualified overtime (code TT) and cash tips (code TP), plus a new Box 14b for tipped occupation codes. If you pay overtime or have tipped employees, confirm those earnings are set up correctly with your Account Manager before year-end. -
Review 1099 contractors
Collect W-9s for any contractor you paid this year. Starting with 2026 payments, the 1099-NEC reporting threshold rises from $600 to $2,000.
Key Dates and Deadlines
November 11
Veterans Day (banks closed)
Banks and the Federal Reserve are closed. Submit payroll a day early if your check date falls on or right after the holiday so direct deposits land on time.
November 26 to 27
Thanksgiving (Tesseon closed)
Banks are closed November 26. Plan for an earlier submission if your check date falls that week.
December 1
Paperless W-2 opt-in deadline
Employees must opt in to electronic W-2s themselves. Anyone who hasn’t opted in by this date will receive a printed form.
December 4
Hold books open deadline
Submit your request by this date if you need your books held open through December 31. Fees apply.
December 24
Christmas Eve (Tesseon closes at noon)
December 25
Christmas Day (Tesseon and banks closed)
Payrolls with a check date around Christmas should be submitted early to allow for the bank holiday.
December 29
Final payroll deadline
Process your last payroll of 2026 by this date. Record all special earnings first, including bonuses, Owner’s Health Insurance, and Third Party Sick Pay, since W-2s process right after your last check date.
December 31
New Year’s Eve (Tesseon closes at noon)
January 1
New Year’s Day (Tesseon and banks closed)
This is a common first check date of the year. If yours falls here, submit early. Wages are taxed in the year they are paid, so a January 1 check date counts toward 2027.
Questions?
Please see attachments for more information or visit our webpage Year End 2026.