Start the new year with confidence: First pay run of 2026 checklist

A simple checklist to cruise through your first pay run of 2026—with updated CRA rates, deduction reminders and clean-slate payroll prep.

The year-end race is over. You’ve closed the books on 2025 and earned a moment to breathe. But the first pay run of the new year is a critical reset and getting it wrong creates messy corrections that will haunt you for months. This is your chance to get ahead, ensure every detail is perfect and set the tone for a smooth and successful year. Stop letting payroll complexities dictate your January—it’s time to take control.

The first payroll of 2026 isn’t just another pay run. It’s when new CRA contribution limits for CPP and EI kick in, employee benefits deductions reset and vacation balances must be accurately carried over. A small oversight here can lead to compliance headaches, frustrated employees and time-consuming adjustments down the line. It’s time to stop reacting and start preparing with a solid plan.

That’s why we created this straightforward checklist. It’s not an overwhelming technical manual; it’s your go-to guide for a clean start. We’ll walk you through verifying updated CRA rates, confirming employee details, checking carry-forward balances and reconciling your run so you can finalize it with total confidence.

This isn’t about just getting through the first pay run. It’s about starting the year with momentum and peace of mind. Download our First 2026 Pay Run Checklist and get your new year off to a clean, compliant and confident start. Stop the scramble before it begins.