Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for October 1 – December 31, 2025 by February 14, 2026.
CMS released an updated Errata V4.00.2 in December 2025. The optional hire and termination dates previously could not exceed December 31, 2025. This update has removed this restriction and updated the date to December 31, 2050. Providers are encouraged to review additional details on this update
here.
If you utilize a vendor for your PBJ submissions, confirm that they are aware of this change. If you create the XML submission files in-house, update the specifications. CMS also has a
template file that is available.
As a reminder, when submitting XML files, please review that the file has been accepted via the Final File Validation Report. This report is created and stored in the CASPER reporting system within 24 hours of submission. Remember to submit your data early to review this and other PBJ CASPER reports.
CMS has several resources to help answer provider questions on PBJ:
- CMS PBJ Website
- Five-Star Technical User Guide
- Technical questions should be directed to the iQIES Service Center. Note: Due to the upcoming deadline, they anticipate a high volume of calls and emails. They can be reached via one of the following methods:
Providers should be aware that support will only be available through Friday, February 13, 2026, until 8:00 PM ET. However, all files for this deadline need to be submitted by February 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.