Will checks scheduled by Quickbooks Payroll for FRI 1/1/27 be autochanged to be paid THU 12/31/26? I'd like to tell employees if there's 27 or 26 checks in 2026 for 401k

Hello there, escapefactor.

The paycheck on January 1, 2027, will not automatically move from QuickBooks to Thursday, December 31, 2026, because it will follow on your payroll schedule. Let me share some additional information regarding this.

In QuickBooks Online Payroll, the timing of your direct deposit depends on when you approve the paychecks. For example, if you're using QuickBooks Payroll Premium or Elite and using same-day deposits, when you approve your paychecks before 7:00 AM PT on the day before a holiday, your money will be drawn from your account on that day. According to NACHA rules, your employees will receive the funds by 5:00 PM local time.

For additional details, please refer to this helpful article: How do the federal holidays affect my direct deposit?

Since January 1, 2027, is a Friday, you will need to submit payroll on the Thursday of the previous week instead of on the Friday before payday or earlier than that based on your lead time settings. In this case, your employees will receive 27 paychecks in 2026 instead of 26.

If you have any questions about QuickBooks, please don’t hesitate to comment below.