QuickBooks Payroll Holidays 2026: Payroll Processing Schedule
QuickBooks Online Payroll relies on bank business days to send direct deposits. Federal holidays are not processing days, so QuickBooks recommends running payroll a day early whenever a bank holiday lands in the pay period.
QuickBooks Payroll payroll cut-off
Submit by 5:00 PM PT the business day before payday (next-day) or two business days before (standard). Move the deadline one business day earlier during any week that contains a federal holiday.
2026 Bank Holidays That Affect QuickBooks Payroll
On these days the ACH network is closed and QuickBooks 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 AlertsQuickBooks Payroll Payroll Holiday FAQ
Does QuickBooks Payroll process payroll on bank holidays in 2026?
No. QuickBooks Payroll 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 QuickBooks Payroll before a holiday?
Submit by 5:00 PM PT the business day before payday (next-day) or two business days before (standard). 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 QuickBooks Payroll observe for payroll in 2026?
QuickBooks Payroll 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.