PAYE · bank holiday payroll

Paying early for a bank holiday? Keep the normal payday in the FPS payment-date field.

Separate the date funds reach employees from the regular contractual payday used for PAYE reporting. Record the reason for the early banking movement.

Direct answer

HMRC says to send the FPS on or before payday and to enter the usual payment date when employees are paid early or late because the regular payday falls on a non-banking day.

Payroll software, contracts and current HMRC exceptions control the case. Check changes before filing too early; this is not payroll or tax advice.

Source checked 6 August 2026: GOV.UK — Reporting to HMRC: FPS.

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FPS normal payday bank holiday payment date checklist

Help UK payroll teams report early holiday payments without shifting the PAYE date. Updated 2026-08-06.

PAYE · bank holiday payroll

Bank-holiday FPS record

HMRC says to send the FPS on or before payday and to enter the usual payment date when employees are paid early or late because the regular payday falls on a non-banking day.

Checklist controls

ControlWhat to verifyEvidence
Normal paydayContractual or usual date.Payroll calendar.
Bank movementEarlier or later funds date.Bank file.
FPS fieldUsual payment date retained.Submission preview.
SubmissionSent on or before the normal payday.HMRC response.

Two dates

Bank processing and FPS payment date may differ.

Record both.

Do not report too early

Later changes can require a correction.

Lock payroll first.

Limit

Exceptions and irregular payments need separate review.

Use current guidance.

Bank-holiday FPS record

  1. Confirm the usual payday.
  2. Record the actual bank transfer date.
  3. Use the normal payday in the FPS field.
  4. Submit on or before that payday.
  5. Retain the FPS response and payroll audit.

FAQ

Which date goes in the FPS?
HMRC says to use the normal payday when a non-banking day changes when employees receive funds.
Can the FPS be sent early?
Yes, but HMRC warns that later changes may require a correction.
Is this payroll advice?
No.

Updated 2026-08-06. This page is independent and does not replace official services, professional advice or site-specific rules.