Unrecoverable error while running payroll

If you're receiving an error that reads Unrecoverable followed by multiple digits while running payroll in QuickBooks Desktop, see below for steps to resolve the issue.

Delete draft or pending paycheques

The most likely reason for this is the last payroll run not being completed. Look for pending or draft cheques, delete them, and attempt to run payroll again:

1. Select Pay employee and select Run unscheduled payroll.
2. In the Enter Payroll Information window, look for an employee highlighted in yellow. This means a paycheque is pending.
3. Right-click on the employee and select Delete draft paycheque.
4. Close and re-open QuickBooks Desktop. Attempt to run payroll again.