Hello there, @sirsweepsalot.
I'm here to provide information about the error that you received in QuickBooks Online.
I'd like to let you know that we currently have an ongoing issue, wherein customers received the “QuickBooks Online Needed. You need a QuickBooks Online subscription to access this page” error when running payroll.
Our engineers are now investigating the root cause of this problem so they can apply a permanent resolution. This way, users will be able to get back on track with no issues.
To be notified whenever any updates on this matter are made available, I recommend contacting our Customer Care Team. Know that due to the COVID-19, we have limited staffing and have reduced our support hours to 6 AM-6 PM PT from Monday-Friday.
Once this hurdle gets resolved, you can always check out these references attached to help you in managing payroll from setting them up to processing paychecks:
I'll be right here to provide further assistance if there's anything else that you need. Have a lovely day!