I run several payrolls for different clients. How easy us it to migrate information from other programs, or does this have to all be done manually?

I have the information to answer your importing and processing payroll history, Tracy.

You can import specific data in QuickBooks Online (QBO) without manually entering them using the Import Data tool in the Gear icon. However, this feature depends on the type of information you want to move into the program and the subscription you have. Supported data types include bank data, customer and supplier information, chart of accounts, products and services, and various financial documents like invoices, credit notes, sales receipts, bills, and journal entries. Please make sure your file format is compatible with QuickBooks.

Since you are importing payroll data, there are various ways to do that. When importing an employee list using QBO Advanced Payroll, these are the steps to achieve that:

1. Go to the Payroll menu and select the Employees tab.
2. Click the ▼dropdown arrow next to the Add Employee button.
3. Choose Import Employees, pick the file format, and then hit Select file....
4. Press Confirm upload?

However, if you're moving a Full Payment Summary (FPS) file in an XML format in QBO Standard Payroll or Payroll Core, you could visit this article for more details: Data Import in QuickBooks Online Standard Payroll.

On the other hand, entering the previous employees' tax and national insurance or payroll history is also possible in QBO. It can be done when you're still setting up payroll and haven't run a payroll yet within the program. Here's how:

1. Go to the Payroll menu and then Overview. 
2. Select Start next to Add your payroll history.
3. If you haven’t added all your employees, hit + Add employees. 
4. Click Enter to enter the information for your first employee.  
5. Choose Yes if you've paid them since April 6. 
6. Enter the amounts in each column and ensure the entries match their pay slips or payroll reports for the year. 
7. Once done, press Save. 
8. Repeat steps 4–7 for each employee paid this year.
9. When finished with all employees, tick Done.

However, if you run payroll without entering pay history, I recommend reaching out to our Payroll Support team for assistance with inputting previous tax, national insurance, and other information. They have the tools to help you out. I'll write down the steps on how to reach them.

1. Go to the Help menu, then select the Search tab.
2. Click Contact Us.
3. Choose a topic, then enter a brief description of your concern and hit Continue.
4. Pick either Chat with us or Have us call you and start connecting with them.
   
   
   

Furthermore, I'll add these references that could help you in managing payroll and other data in QBO:

• Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online
• Export your QuickBooks Online Standard Payroll data
• Export reports, lists, and other data from QuickBooks Online

If you require further assistance importing your data in QuickBooks, the comment section is always available. We'll keep an eye on it, and jump right in to provide some help.