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Simplify payday and set payroll to run automatically on QuickBooks. Explore QuickBooks Payroll
SirMatthew
Level 3

NEED Payroll Summary like QuickBooks Desktop!

WHY is the Payroll Summary in QBO completely different than the desktop version??? I had someone hire employees (first time I've dealt with payroll in QBO and so far, I LOATHE it) and want to see the same report I'm used to with the columns for employees and the various taxes as individual line items, not 900 lines  showing each check! It's a summary report, not a detail! 

"If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!"
Solved
Best answer July 31, 2025

Best Answers
SheandL
QuickBooks Team

NEED Payroll Summary like QuickBooks Desktop!

Hi there, SirMatthew.

 

I understand the importance of generating an organized payroll report in QuickBooks Online (QBO). We can run the Payroll Summary by Employee and personalize it to achieve your preferred customization.

 

The Payroll Summary report in QBO differs from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) due to variations in reporting and features. To obtain a report that displays the same format as QBDT, you can follow the steps below:

 

  1. Go to Reports, then select Standard reports section.
  2. Then, search for Payroll Summary by Employee.
  3. Choose the desired date range you want to pull up.
  4. In the upper right corner, click the vertical icon beside Customize.

For visual reference, please see the screenshot below:

 


To enhance your payroll processes in QBO, consider collaborating with our Explore Payroll team. Their expertise will help you optimize your financial and business operations.

 

If you have other concerns or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reply to this post.

View solution in original post

BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

NEED Payroll Summary like QuickBooks Desktop!

You're going to be very disappointed with a whole lot of QuickBooks Online if you want what you had with QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

And QuickBooks Online will keep getting worse, if recent trends hold. Don't expect any actual improvements to your experience.

View solution in original post

3 Comments 3
SheandL
QuickBooks Team

NEED Payroll Summary like QuickBooks Desktop!

Hi there, SirMatthew.

 

I understand the importance of generating an organized payroll report in QuickBooks Online (QBO). We can run the Payroll Summary by Employee and personalize it to achieve your preferred customization.

 

The Payroll Summary report in QBO differs from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) due to variations in reporting and features. To obtain a report that displays the same format as QBDT, you can follow the steps below:

 

  1. Go to Reports, then select Standard reports section.
  2. Then, search for Payroll Summary by Employee.
  3. Choose the desired date range you want to pull up.
  4. In the upper right corner, click the vertical icon beside Customize.

For visual reference, please see the screenshot below:

 


To enhance your payroll processes in QBO, consider collaborating with our Explore Payroll team. Their expertise will help you optimize your financial and business operations.

 

If you have other concerns or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reply to this post.

BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

NEED Payroll Summary like QuickBooks Desktop!

You're going to be very disappointed with a whole lot of QuickBooks Online if you want what you had with QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

And QuickBooks Online will keep getting worse, if recent trends hold. Don't expect any actual improvements to your experience.

cecyromero1123
Level 1

NEED Payroll Summary like QuickBooks Desktop!

This is why I am fighting to stop desktop, QB online is completely different and confusing.  I hope someone comes up with a desktop version of Accounting for Accountants.

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