How to remove an employee incorrectly entered from the payroll list

Hello there, jmkanosky2673.

Let's remove the incorrect employee name from your payroll list.

Deleting an employee can only be done if they don't have paychecks yet. If they already have one, we can only make them inactive.

Here's how to delete your employee:

1. From the Payroll menu, select Employees.
2. Click the employee's name.
3. Select Edit Employee.
4. On the bottom part of the screen, click Delete employee.
5. Click Yes on the prompt message. 

If you'd like to inactivate an employee, you can change their employment status to Terminated.

1. Still, within the Employees tab, find the employee's name.
2. Select the Edit (pencil) icon beside Employment.
3. Click the Active drop-down menu under the Status column.
4. Select Terminated.
   

If you want to generate your employee's details such as name, address, SSN, deduction, and tax information, you can run the Employee Details report. To learn more on what payroll reports you can run in the program, please check this article: List of payroll reports.

Don't hesitate to go back here and post your concerns. The Community team is always here to help. Take care and have a good one!

Hi jmkanosky2673,

Hope you’re doing great. I wanted to see how everything is going about removing your employee entered in the payroll list. Was it resolved? Do you need any additional help or clarification? If you do, just let me know. I’d be happy to help you at anytime.

Looking forward to your reply. Have a pleasant day ahead!

Hi There, 
I had the same question -- my colleague incorrectly entered payments to several independent contractors by classifying them as "Employees" instead of "Vendors" or contractors when she was categorizing transactions. I sent my 1099s off, but didn't realize this error, and now I have so many more to send (20) after the deadline! Is there any way I can convert these people to contractors but not delete the payments/transactions that have been assigned to them? What can I do? 
Thank you so much!
I'm using Quickbooks online. 

Good evening, @gigglesberg. 

Thanks for joining in on this thread. I can help you get this resolved with just a few clicks of your mouse. 

To correct your records and avoid duplication, you'll need to delete the paychecks you've made for your employees. Then, you'll need to re-enter your contractor payments by recording them as expenses or checks. However, you need to seek help from your accountant so they can give you the best advice when it comes to your books.

Here's how to delete a paycheck:

1. In the left panel, click Reports.
2. In the search box, search for Paycheck List.
3. On the Paycheck List Report page, select the checkbox next to the paycheck to remove.
4. Under the Batch Action drop-down, select Delete. You'll see a message asking you if you're sure you want to delete the check.
5. Click Yes to confirm you want to delete it.

Here's how to record a check or an expense transaction:

1. Press the +New button and then click on Expense or Check.
2. Choose the contractor name and fill in all the necessary information.
3. Click Save and Close.

For future reference, check out this guide: Enter and manage expenses in QuickBooks Online. 

I hope this helps. Reply back if you have any other concerns. Have a great day!