Paychex Holidays 2026: Payroll Processing Schedule
Paychex cannot move money on Federal Reserve holidays because the ACH network is closed. During holiday weeks, Paychex moves submission deadlines earlier so direct deposits still settle on payday.
Paychex payroll cut-off
Submit by 3:00 PM ET, two business days before payday. Move the deadline one business day earlier during any week that contains a federal holiday.
2026 Bank Holidays That Affect Paychex Payroll
On these days the ACH network is closed and Paychex cannot process direct deposits:
- New Year's Day Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 19, 2026
- Washington's Birthday (Presidents Day) Monday, February 16, 2026
- Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2026
- Juneteenth National Independence Day Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day Friday, July 3, 2026 (Observed)
- Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2026
- Columbus Day Monday, October 12, 2026
- Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Christmas Day Friday, December 25, 2026
Never Miss a Payroll Cut-Off
Get a free email reminder before every 2026 bank holiday so payroll always runs on time.
Get Holiday AlertsPaychex Payroll Holiday FAQ
Does Paychex process payroll on bank holidays in 2026?
No. Paychex moves money through the ACH network, which is closed on all 11 Federal Reserve holidays. Payroll dated for a bank holiday will not settle that day, so run it earlier.
When should I submit payroll in Paychex before a holiday?
Submit by 3:00 PM ET, two business days before payday. During a week with a federal holiday, move that deadline one business day earlier so employees are still paid on time.
Will direct deposits arrive early because of a bank holiday?
Often yes. When a scheduled payday lands on a Federal Reserve holiday, funds typically post the previous business day rather than after the holiday.
What holidays does Paychex observe for payroll in 2026?
Paychex follows the Federal Reserve banking calendar: New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day (observed Jul 3), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.