Is it possible to split a biweekly payroll paycheck in two?

DesktopPayroll2021 · ‎January 13, 2022

One of my employees asked to have his payroll check split in 2 equal amounts.

For example, Employee ABC makes $1,000 biweekly, and he would like getting two $500 checks.

Is this possible?

My other option is to run payroll weekly, but I would like to avoid running weekly payrolls only for one employee only.

JoesemM · ‎January 13, 2022

It's nice to see you again here in the Community, @DesktopPayroll2021.

Currently, we're unable to split a biweekly payroll paycheck in QuickBooks. For now, the only option is to run payroll weekly for that specific employee.

To update your payroll schedule, you can modify them in the Edit Payroll Schedule window. Doing this will also change the current pay period.

Go to the Employees menu, then select Payroll Center.
Under the Create Paychecks table, select the payroll schedule you want to update.
From the Payroll Schedules ▼ drop-down menu, select Edit Schedule.
Make the necessary updates in the Edit Payroll Schedule window.
Select Yes to update the payroll schedule for all the employees assigned to it.
Click OK.

You'll then see the new Payroll Periods according to the new Pay Period when you go to the Transactions tab in the Employee Center and click Paychecks.

To learn more about the pay schedule types in QBDT, see this article: Set up and manage payroll schedules.

I've collected these articles that will guide you on how to print and correct the pay period in QuickBooks:

Let me know if there's anything else you need help with your paycheck. Just leave a reply and I get back to you as soon as possible. Take good care, @DesktopPayroll2021.

View solution in original post

JoesemM · ‎January 13, 2022

It's nice to see you again here in the Community, @DesktopPayroll2021.

Currently, we're unable to split a biweekly payroll paycheck in QuickBooks. For now, the only option is to run payroll weekly for that specific employee.

To update your payroll schedule, you can modify them in the Edit Payroll Schedule window. Doing this will also change the current pay period.

Go to the Employees menu, then select Payroll Center.
Under the Create Paychecks table, select the payroll schedule you want to update.
From the Payroll Schedules ▼ drop-down menu, select Edit Schedule.
Make the necessary updates in the Edit Payroll Schedule window.
Select Yes to update the payroll schedule for all the employees assigned to it.
Click OK.

You'll then see the new Payroll Periods according to the new Pay Period when you go to the Transactions tab in the Employee Center and click Paychecks.

To learn more about the pay schedule types in QBDT, see this article: Set up and manage payroll schedules.

I've collected these articles that will guide you on how to print and correct the pay period in QuickBooks:

Let me know if there's anything else you need help with your paycheck. Just leave a reply and I get back to you as soon as possible. Take good care, @DesktopPayroll2021.

BigRedConsulting · ‎January 13, 2022

You can create two paychecks, each for 1/2 of the wages, but if you do that the state and federal income tax withholding's will be wrong - together they'll add up to less than they would if you issued one check.

However, what you can do is create one paycheck for the full $1000 in wages (using your example) and create and use a net pay deduction - tax tracking type None - to reduce the net check by whatever is desired. Use a liability account on that payroll item. Then, create a standard bank check for that amount and use the same account in the detail area of the check. Then you'll have two checks to print as the employee requested where only one is a payroll check.

DesktopPayroll2021 · ‎January 14, 2022

It's unfortunate that there is no easy way to split an employee check in two.

I am aware that splitting a payroll check only works if part of the check goes into direct deposit. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to our employee, but maybe it's an option to keep in mind.

DesktopPayroll2021 · ‎January 14, 2022

@BigRedConsulting thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll keep your suggestion in mind, but so far we are looking into something as simple as possible, without risking wrong taxes calculations.

BigRedConsulting · ‎January 14, 2022

@DesktopPayroll2021

RE: I'll keep your suggestion in mind, but so far we are looking into something as simple as possible, without risking wrong taxes calculations.

But?

The way I've suggested will do just that - minimize the risk of bad tax calculations. In fact, it will eliminate it, presuming the rest of your payroll is set up properly.

Splitting up pay for a period into two actual paychecks is the worst thing to do if you're trying to minimize the risk of wrong tax calculations.

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Is it possible to split a biweekly payroll paycheck in two?