Hi MamaShay.
You write that the client is not in a position to upgrade their software. If they qualify, as a not for profit organization, for purchases through TechSoup, then the annual cost is very low so I'd check into that. Look for the Bundle as that looks to include payroll.
Alternatively, I'd also look at what you are paying for the "active payroll subscription". How much different is it for an updated subscription for QBD2021 + Payroll? There is always a trade-off when it comes to spending money, would you be able to use your time differently if they upgrade?
And finally, as long as you have a functional payroll module (even if updates are not applied), you can always create the cheques in there and adjust any deductions manually. Sounds like you're already calculating those but you might find the CRA online calculator helpful. While you end up entering everything twice, using the calculator and then adjusting manually in QBD, this will let you run T4s at the end of the year. PD7A reporting and remittance review will also work, saving you additional time. Note, while this method works in general, you'll still have to manually calculate individual payroll for any periods the CRA wants specific reporting (Code 57-60 for 2020), so I'd focus on getting the upgrade if at all possible.
