If you run payroll on a biweekly schedule and are just now realizing that 2026 includes 27 payrolls instead of the usual 26, you’re not alone. This calendar shift occurs roughly every 11 years and can have meaningful implications for payroll operations, budgeting, and employee communication. Frequently, this calendar shift doesn't catch employers' attention until later in the year, when everything else is already competing for time and focus.
The good news is whether you're the first month into the year or months into 2026, it's not too late to manage this effectively. Even if planning time is limited, there are still practical steps you can take to minimize disruption, ensure accuracy, and clearly communicate with employees.
Biweekly payrolls run every 14 days, and over time, those extra days in the calendar year accumulate. In 2026, that timing results in an additional biweekly pay period. This only affects employers who pay biweekly — weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll schedules are not impacted.
For employees, this can mean receiving three paychecks in certain months, which may be welcomed, or confusing, depending on how it’s communicated.
A 27-payroll year does not automatically mean something is “wrong” with payroll. However, it can affect how certain pay and deductions are distributed across the year.
Annual salaries remain the same, but they are divided across 27 pay periods instead of 26. This means individual paychecks are slightly smaller, even though total annual compensation does not change. If employees notice the difference without explanation, it can raise concerns, so clarity is key.
This is often the most important area to review late in the year. Many benefit deductions are calculated annually and spread across pay periods. If deductions haven’t been adjusted, employees could pay more than intended over the course of the year.
At this stage, employers should focus on:
Confirming whether benefit deductions are per-pay or annualized
Identifying any deductions that may need adjustment before year-end
Understanding whether one payroll may require skipped or reduced deductions, depending on plan rules
Even small adjustments now can prevent issues later.
If PTO accrues per pay period, employees may earn more time off in a 27-payroll year. While this isn’t always a problem, it’s important to understand whether your policy allows for that increase or if accruals should be capped or annualized.
A quick review of accrual settings can help ensure consistency and avoid retroactive corrections.
If this blog is reaching you late in the year, focus on mitigating confusion and confirming accuracy, rather than overhauling everything.
Practical next steps include:
Reviewing remaining 2026 payrolls and identifying the 27th pay date
Confirming salaried pay calculations are correct
Reviewing benefit deductions for the final payroll(s) of the year
Checking PTO accrual totals against policy expectations
Preparing a simple employee communication explaining the extra payroll
Even brief internal communication can significantly reduce employee questions and concerns.
It’s better to communicate late than not at all. Employees don’t need a long explanation, just reassurance and transparency.
A short message should explain:
Why there are 27 paychecks in 2026
That annual pay has not changed
Whether deductions or PTO accruals are affected
Who employees can contact with questions
Clear, calm messaging helps maintain trust, especially if employees notice changes on their own.
While it may feel frustrating to learn about the 27-payroll year late, it’s a common experience — and one that payroll teams navigate successfully every time it occurs. What matters most is understanding the impact, confirming accuracy, and ensuring employees are informed.
Whether you’ve been planning for the 27-payroll year all along or are just becoming aware of it now, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Dominion Payroll’s experts can help review your payroll setup, validate calculations, and guide you through any necessary adjustments, even late in the year.
If you have questions or need support, you can reach out to us at customerservice@dominionpayroll.com