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

 

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

 

A) 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. 

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

A) Please see our video tutorial on how to import your data into the new tax year from BrightPay for Windows here.

Your employer and employee details will now be imported into 2026 BrightPay.

Q) Do I need to set up my payment schedule for the new tax year?
 

A) When you import your employer from BrightPay cloud 2025 into 2026 your payment schedule will already be set up for the new tax year in line with your pay schedule from 2025. Please check the pay schedule is what you require.  You will be ready to start processing your payroll. 

Q) Are employees that were leavers in the previous tax year imported?

A) No employees that were processed as leavers in BrightPay in the previous tax year will not be imported. You can still access this information in the previous tax year.

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

A) Please see our step by step guide on how to import your data into the new tax year from BrightPay for Windows here. Your employer and employee details will now be imported into 2026 BrightPay.

Q) 2025 is currently set as the active year. How can I change it so that 2026 is the active year instead?

A) 

• Click the tax year (2025) at the top left corner of your BrightPay Browser Employers screen.
• Select "2026" from the dropdown menu.
• You’ll now be in the 2026 tax year and can start processing payroll.
• Once you are in this section, you can set a browser bookmark to this page. This way, you’ll be taken directly to the current year’s page by default when you log in.