Year End - Frequently Asked Questions

To assist users in completing the 2025 tax year and transitioning to tax year 2026, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.

a) What steps do I need to complete to finalise the 2025 tax year?

• Please click here to access our simple step-by-step guide for completing the 2025 year end process in BrightPay.

b) Do I have a week 53 in the 2025 tax year?

• Only if an employer pays employees on a Wednesday and the last pay date of the 2025 tax year is Wednesday 31st December 2025.

c) When will 2026 BrightPay be available?

• 2026 BrightPay is available now.
  
  

d) Is it ok to import my data into 2026 BrightPay before my payroll is finished for the 2025 tax year?

• We advise waiting until your payroll is fully completed for the current tax year before importing into the new tax year version. This will ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is being imported from the previous tax year.

e) How do I start the new tax year in 2026 BrightPay?

• Every tax year we release brand new software in line with the new budgetary requirements. Thus, to move your payroll on to a new tax year, simply select the 2025 icon on the top left corner of your screen and you will see 2026 as an option on the drop down menu.
  
  
• Please select 2026 to move forward to the new tax year. You will see your employer(s)' details listed on the employer dashboard. You can import your employer into the new tax year.  You can still access the information for the previous tax year 2025 BrightPay by selecting the 2025 option to switch tax years.

f) How do I import my data from 2025 BrightPay into 2026 BrightPay for the new tax year?

• First, if you have selected the 2026 option to move forward to the new tax year you will see your employer(s) details listed on the employer dashboard.The icon to the left of the employer's name will have a dotted line around it.
  
  
• If you wish to import this employer into the new 2026 tax year please select the employer's name.
  
  
• A message will show 'A record for Employe XYZ does not yet exist for the 2026 tax year. To use this employer in 2026, you must import its data from 2025.' Please select 'Import Now'.
  
  
• Your employer and employee details will now be imported into 2026 BrightPay and the icon to the left of the employer's name will be in grey.