From beta to the first payroll run
Moving from the beta version to the first production payroll run is a step-by-step process. The beta version launches on October 2. Over the following weeks, payroll will be refined through a series of updates. December 11 is an important milestone before preparations begin for processing 2027 payroll. Starting January 1, 2027, payroll can be used in production. We’ll show you which dates are important and what to keep in mind when setting up payroll if you already want to process your 2027 payroll with Exxas.
A payroll system cannot simply be switched on and used in production the next day. Before the first payroll for 2027 is processed, employee data, pay types, insurance settings, and company settings must be configured and verified correctly. The release of the beta version marks the starting point. Further changes and updates will follow before payroll can be used in production starting January 1, 2027.
It starts on October 2
The beta version of payroll will be released on October 2, 2026. It is integrated into the existing system. There is no separate login screen or separate environment. Even in the beta version, you can enter employees and payroll data, define insurance settings, and create and edit pay types. You can also run initial payrolls and reports, post payroll, and generate payment files.
Payroll will continue to be developed through December 11, 2026. Some features and processes may still change during this period. The beta version is primarily intended to give you the opportunity to set up payroll, become familiar with the features, and run initial test payrolls.
The next few months
Development will continue step by step. Five updates are planned through December. The maintenance windows will take place on the following Fridays from 8:00 PM to midnight:
- October 16, 2026
- October 30, 2026
- November 13, 2026
- November 27, 2026
- December 11, 2026
The scheduled maintenance windows are also listed on our status page. We provide ongoing information there about scheduled and current maintenance work.
Employee and insurance data will generally be retained. However, during updates, custom or modified pay types, custom pay types assigned to insurance settings, and previously created payroll runs may be deleted or reset to the “default settings.”
The December 11, 2026 update will completely reset pay types and payroll runs. After that date, it will no longer be possible to create payroll statements for 2026 or earlier years. If you set up payroll during the beta phase and run test payrolls, please keep in mind that all changes to pay types and all payroll runs will be deleted on December 11.
Preparing for the first payroll run
Before processing the first payroll for 2027, all payroll and company settings should be reviewed. These include, among other things, employee data, pay types, and insurance settings. New required fields may be added before the production launch. These fields must be fully completed before the first payroll is processed. It is especially important to take a close look at the calculations during the first payroll run. Custom pay types, insurance settings, and special cases should be reviewed carefully.
Production starting January 1, 2027—but proceed with caution
Payroll can be used in production starting January 1, 2027. Swissdec certification will follow later in the same year. Until Swissdec certification is completed, payroll data cannot yet be transmitted to insurance providers or tax authorities (withholding tax, QST). If required, these reports must be submitted through the insurance providers’ customer portals or using the conventional process.
Accurately processing payroll requires thousands of calculation formulas. We test Exxas extensively, but payroll involves so many variables and possible configurations that it is virtually impossible to test every scenario. Please always carefully review payroll calculations, reports, and accounting entries.
