The 2026 tax table files are now available to import into ASCENDER. The files and instructions can be found on the IMS Business website under:
Documentation > Payroll/Personnel > Year-End – Calendar (as seen in screenshot below)
To download the file, right click the file link and select “Save link as…” and select the option to save it as a .TXT file. Be sure to note where you are saving the file in order to find the path when importing the file into ASCENDER.
Use Publication 15-T to verify the tax table information that is imported is correct before running your first 2026 payroll. The 2026 tax tables must be uploaded before payroll can be processed in the 2026 calendar year. Each district is responsible for verifying and updating all rates prior to running January payroll.
Each LEA must verify that the 2026 tables are imported and accurate. Note that your LEA may have imported the 2025 tables for the 2026 calendar year at a prior date for accrual purposes, so be sure to verify that the correct tables exist for 2026.
Reminder
We covered additional First Payroll of the Calendar Year Reminders during the December 411 Business Webinar. Please be sure to review this webinar prior to running January payroll.
IMPORTANT: Information Regarding Tax Forms
Full functionality for W-2s, 1099s, or 1095s for the 2025 tax year will not be ready until the 11.0500 release. This release is currently scheduled for Thursday, January 8th, 2026. You may begin reviewing reports for these processes, but please do not begin processing these forms until the update has been released. We will send out an announcement once the functionality is available.