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JoesemM
Moderator

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Welcome to the Community space, @mikep494.

 

You can go to the Payroll Settings and process the export from there. You'll be asked to enter the name of each account you're exporting your liabilities and expenses to. We recommend that you have a copy of your QuickBooks chart of accounts handy for this. 

 

To export the .iif file, here's how:

 

  1.  Login to your QBO company.
  2. Go to the Gear icon, and click on Payroll settings.
  3. Hit the pencil icon next to Export.
  4. Select QuickBooks Desktop for Windows: downloadable IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) file.
  5.  Hit Continue.

 

After that, you can already export payroll data to QBDT. You can follow these steps:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon, and click on Payroll settings.
  2. Go to the Export transactions tab.
  3. A screen will appear letting you know how many transactions and of which type are being exported. You may need to allow popups if you're using the QuickBooks Desktop for Windows option.
  4. Hit Export.

 

In case you want to individually export your tax payments or paychecks, or re-export a transaction if needed, follow the steps in this article: Export into QuickBooks Online or Desktop from Core, Premium, or Elite Standalone Payroll.

 

Once done, you can now import the data into QBDT. But before that, you'll need to update your account for the latest release. Ensure to check out the system requirements for QBDT 2021 to get the best experience.

 

To know different ways to import data in QuickBooks, click this article: Import and export data in QuickBooks Desktop

 

I’m also adding this article in case you need to access payroll reports in the future. This includes the description of each report and the information you can get: Run payroll reports.

 

Let me know if you have follow-up questions about exporting or downloading paycheck. I'm here to help. Take care always!

odlaug
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

My gif files are exported to download folder in my Mac- I deleted by accident - how do I create a new one for an employees check?

Tori B
QuickBooks Team

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Hey there, @odlaug.

 

Thanks for following the thread and sharing your concerns. 

 

It can be frustrating when we accidentally delete a file from our computers. But don't sweat. All you'll need to do is go back through the first set of steps my colleague joesem m shared above. 

 

  1.  Login to your QBO company.
  2. Go to the Gear icon, and click on Payroll settings.
  3. Hit the pencil icon next to Export.
  4. Select QuickBooks Desktop for Windows: downloadable IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) file.
  5.  Hit Continue.

Once you do this, you'll be back on track. 

 

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. Take care and have a great day ahead! 

 

 

odlaug
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

That is not the question I asked. First I have Mac version second I know how to export. My question is how can I create and export a 2nd IIF file for the same paycheck.

FritzF
Moderator

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Hello, @odlaug.

 

Thanks for getting back to us and for sharing some additional information. I can walk you through exporting IIF files in QuickBooks.

 

Are you using QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Mac version? If so, exporting IIF can be done by going to the File menu. Here's how to do it:

 

  1. Sign in to your company file as an admin.
  2. Go to the File menu at the top, then select Export in the drop-down.
  3. Click Lists to IIF File, then choose the list you want to export.
  4. Tick OK, then enter a name for your IIF file.
  5. In the Where drop-down, pick a location to save your IIF file into.
  6. Hit Save to complete.

 

For further guidance with exporting and importing IIF files in QBDT, you may check out this article: Export, import, and edit IIF files. This also contains some information about the limitations.

 

Let me know in the comments if you have any additional questions or concerns. I'll be right here to help. Have a good one!

odlaug
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

I have Mac not window. Anyways I did the steps as you suggest and nothing shown to export. Not surprised as I already exported the iif files and then before eimoorted to my Quickbooks Mac desktop I deleted by accident from my download file.

 

So to repeat for a 3rd time - How do I create a duplicate iif file for payroll check?

bobH2
Level 1

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

This is the same process I went through when I did the payroll. Unfortunately the payroll data does not show up on the QB accounting records.  When I repeat the export process I get a message that everything has been exported. How do I get it to show up in the accounts it is supposedly exported to?

TirzahC
QuickBooks Team

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Hello there, bobH2.

 

The Intuit Interchange Format (IIF) file you created with QuickBooks Online is saved in whichever folder you selected when downloading it. Generally, this is the Downloads folder on your computer, unless a different area was specified when saving it. If you continue experiencing issues finding your file, I'd recommend creating a new IIF file and taking note of which folder you save it to. The steps are easy, so here’s what we’ll need to do.

 

First, set up your Export Preferences:

  1. Select the Gear icon in the top right corner
  2. Select Payroll settings
  3. Select the Pencil icon next to Export
  4. Choose either QuickBooks Desktop for Windows: downloadable IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) file or QuickBooks Online and select Continue
  5. If selecting QuickBooks Online, you may be prompted to log in to select the company. You will then be asked to select the company you want to export to.
    • You will then be prompted to select the accounts for each wage expense or liability
  6. If selecting QuickBooks Desktop for Windows, you will be asked to type in the name of each account you are exporting your liabilities and expenses to. We recommend that you have a copy of your QuickBooks chart of accounts handy for this. 

Once you have finished your export preferences setup, you can come back to make changes to your preferences at any time. If you need to update previously exported transactions, you are able to make the change and then choose a date to make the changes active. 

 

Next, export your payroll transactions:

  1. Select the Gear icon in the top right corner
  2. Select Payroll settings
  3. Select Export transactions in the Export section
  4. A screen will appear letting you know how many transactions and of which type are being exported
    • You may need to allow popups if you are using the QuickBooks Desktop for Windows option
  5. Select Export

You can also see this article for more details and other ways to export your payroll data: Export into QuickBooks Online or Desktop from Core, Premium, or Elite Standalone Payroll.


For additional resources, I’m adding some links that will guide you on how to set up payroll. From there, you’ll learn the latest updates about the Payroll Core subscription.

Click the Reply button if you have any clarifications about the payroll process. I’ll get back to make sure you’re taken care of. Have a great day ahead.

Nickie2
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

There are a lot of kinks in the new update. I use the desktop version, but run payroll and tax filings online. In addition to that, it is really difficult to find trained help from you to help find solutions. I have figured out much of it on my own, but there are a lot of extra steps and hoops to jump through. The new update is just really clunky. Prior to the update, it was really easy to navigate.

Currently, I am having issues exporting my tax payments to the desktop. I can successfully export and import, but when I go to my chart of accounts, (in desktop) there is no deduction of the payment. When I go back online, it shows that the report was never exported, even though it originally said that it had! I am really frustrated with this, and the lack of customer service support.  
 
Maybelle_S
QuickBooks Team

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

I want to ensure this is taken care of, @Nickie2.

 

Usually, this error occurs when your data is damaged or corrupted. We can try to run the Verify/Rebuild tool to identify any data issues within your company file. Then, the Rebuild tool will self-resolve it.

 

Here's how:

 

1. Go to the File menu, then hover over Utilities.

2. Select Rebuild Data.

3. On the QuickBooks Information window, select OK. Follow the onscreen steps to save a backup.

4. Let the tool repair your file.

5. When the tool finishes, select OK.

6. Go to the File menu, and then hover over Utilities.

7. Select Verify Data.

8. Let the tool check your file for data issues.

 

If QuickBooks doesn't find any problems, select OK. However, if QuickBooks finds an issue with your company file, click Rebuild Now.

 

Also, make sure QuickBooks has its latest release. This is to ensure that everything is up to date.

 

Keep me posted if you have other questions about adding memos. I'll be here to help.

Nickie2
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

I have done everything you've suggested, no problems have been detected, and my software is up to date, (18.0.10.3432 R11). 

 

I believe my problem is ONLINE. As I mentioned above, I can successfully export and import, but when I go to my chart of accounts, (in desktop) there is no deduction of the payment. When I go back online, it shows that the report was never exported, even though it originally said that it had. I've tried this in 3 different browsers, thinking that perhaps it could be an issue with caches or cookies. Still, the same issue. 

 

Is there a way to run my payroll and taxes through the desktop only? This online version is NOT user friendly. 

Angelyn_T
QuickBooks Team

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Thank you for getting back, Nickie.

 

Allow me to join the thread and share with you some information about exporting taxes from the Online version (QBO) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

 

Due to some limitations and feature differences between these two platforms, paychecks and liability payments from QBO are exported as regular checks in QBDT. To keep track of your payroll, I recommend setting up your employees and enter historical tax payments.

 

  1. Go to the Help menu, then choose About QuickBooks.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Y or Ctrl + Shift + Y to open the Setup YTD Amounts window.
  3. Select Next until you reach the Enter prior payments section.
  4. In the Enter Prior Payments window, select Create Payment to enter all prior payroll tax and non-tax payroll liability payments you have made during the current or previous years.
  5. Enter the Payment Date and For Period Ending date accordingly (in many cases these dates will be the same).
  6. In the Taxes and Liabilities field, choose the payroll tax item that you've already paid and want to record in QuickBooks Desktop. And enter the amount. You can add a memo to remind you what the payment is for.
  7. Select the Accounts Affected... button. This displays options for how you want the payment to affect your Chart of Accounts (COA).
  8. After you have completed your first payment, continue to the next by selecting Next Payment. Continue this process until you have completed all payments. Then select Done to save your work.
  9. Hit Finish to close the window.

 

You can also record the tax payments through the Payroll Setup window. You can open this article as your guide: Enter historical tax payments in Desktop payroll.

 

On the other hand, yes, you can run your payroll and taxes through your QBDT file. First, make sure to have an active payroll subscription to perform these tasks.

 

For additional tips while handling payroll entries in QBDT, you can open these links:

 

 

If you have any other QuickBooks or payroll questions, let me know by adding a comment below. I'm more than happy to provide additional assistance. Keep safe!

Nickie2
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

I am having a really hard time understanding all of this, as I am not very savvy when it comes to technology. Imagine my frustration as Quickbooks was so EASY to navigate, prior to this update. Now, everything I use is in a completely different location, takes more steps to accomplish my goal, and I'm constantly having to write in for support. (Because you can't talk to a real person anymore). This is costing me a LOT of time, as well as loss in income, because I'm putting most of my efforts towards this. Additionally, the cost for payroll continues to creep up and up, for a product that is not working the way that it should. 

 

That being said, I do not think you gave me the right instructions, as I operate on a Mac. The instructions you gave me do not match the issue I am having. 

 

I do appreciate your help. Thank you. 

AbegailS_
QuickBooks Team

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

 

This isn't the kind of service we want you to experience, @Nickie2.

 

Recently, IOP is moved to a standalone QBO Payroll, and other QuickBooks for Mac users are also asking how to sync or import data from the new payroll to QB for Mac. 

 

Allow me to help you show your payroll transactions into QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac.

 

Let's  set up your Export Preferences:

  1. Click the Gear icon and select Payroll Settings.
  2. In the Export section, click the Pencil icon on the right.
  3. On the Export preferences page, choose QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
  4. Select Continue in the lower-right corner.
  5. Review the assigned accounts and click Done.
  6. In the Export section, click on Export transactions. This option appears after changing the setting.
  7. Click OK. This will download the IIF file to your computer.

 

You can check out this article for more details about the process:  Export into QuickBooks Online or Desktop from Core, Premium, or Elite Standalone Payroll.

 

If the issue persist, I'd suggest to contact our Support team to check why you're experiencing this issue.

 

Please take note our operating hours for chat support depends on the version of QuickBooks that you're using. Please see this article for more details: Support hours and types.

 

 I’m also adding some links that will guide you on how to set up payroll. 

 

Place a reply in the comments below if you have other issues with your payroll data in QuickBooks. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Nickie2
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Every thing you've just suggested, I have done previously, thanks to previous correspondence from others on this thread. From what I've seen, they've had the same issue as me with their payroll, but I see no mention that their issue was resolved. 

 

I did run through everything you suggested AGAIN today, but this is still not solving my issue. I can export from Quickbooks online successfully. When I attempt to import into the desktop, there are no error messages, and it tells me that the import was successful. However, when I go into my chart of accounts, or checkbook register, the balance doesn't reflect the deduction. 

 

Additionally, when I go back ONLINE, it shows me that the file was never exported. Even though, it initially indicated as successful.

 

AlexV
QuickBooks Team

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Hi Nickie2!

 

I understand that you need to bring your payroll data into QuickBooks Desktop. Allow me to help you.

 

Ideally, once QuickBooks Online Payroll was able to export a file, you can now import it to your QuickBooks Desktop file. We have an article to show you the detailed steps on how to do it: Export into QuickBooks Online or Desktop from Core, Premium, or Elite Standalone Payroll.

 

It's great to know that your QuickBooks Desktop is updated and you run the verify and rebuild data tool. Since this issue persists, you'll want to reach out to our Support Team so they can further investigate it.

 

You'll want to check this link: Customize reports in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. This can help you in getting the right data when running a report.

 

Leave a comment again here if you have other concerns. Take care!

Nickie2
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

The saga continues, and my problem is worse now than it was when I began, one week ago today. This is absolutely unacceptable that it has taken me this much time to resolve. What happened to the idea of being able to speak with someone in person? Seems a whole lot more efficient than waiting for someone to get back with you through chat. I did reach out to someone named Dan, whom you connected me with through some link. He was kind and helpful through chat, however, I had a meeting to get to, so had to end the conversation before we were able to resolve. He emailed me back, to let me know that he was unable to come up with a solution for my problem. That was two days ago. I have not had time to work on this, and somehow between the multiple employees that use our email account, the email from Dan, (that supposedly contained a new link for someone that could help me) has been deleted, and I can't recover it. 

 

Again, my problem is this: I use the Quickbooks Desktop version for Mac. It is updated to the latest version,

18.0.10.3432 R11. I run payroll and taxes online. When I export my taxes online, then import into the desktop, it tells me that it was successful. However, my balance does not reflect the deduction. When I go back online, it tells me that the taxes were never exported, when it ORIGINALLY indicated as successful. I have done this MULTIPLE times, gone through all of the steps that a Quickbooks expert has advised, but there appears to be a glitch. 

 

ADDITIONALLY, Mr. Dan helped me by remoting in to my computer, and advised me to export all of the previously exported taxes, (along with the 2 that I want to export). Now, I have duplicates in my chart of accounts that I need help deleting since my balance is now completely off! But the problem still remains, that the 2 that I want exported/imported will not reflect. 

 

Please, please put me in touch with someone who will be able to solve my problem! 

Nickie2
Level 2

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

The saga continues, and my problem is worse now than it was when I began, one week ago today. This is absolutely unacceptable that it has taken me this much time to resolve. What happened to the idea of being able to speak with someone in person? Seems a whole lot more efficient than waiting for someone to get back with you through chat. I did reach out to someone named Dan, whom you connected me with through some link. He was kind and helpful through chat, however, I had a meeting to get to, so had to end the conversation before we were able to resolve. He emailed me back, to let me know that he was unable to come up with a solution for my problem. That was two days ago. I have not had time to work on this, and somehow between the multiple employees that use our email account, the email from Dan, (that supposedly contained a new link for someone that could help me) has been deleted, and I can't recover it. 

 

Again, my problem is this: I use the Quickbooks Desktop version for Mac. It is updated to the latest version,
18.0.10.3432 R11. I run payroll and taxes online. When I export my taxes online, then import into the desktop, it tells me that it was successful. However, my balance does not reflect the deduction. When I go back online, it tells me that the taxes were never exported, when it ORIGINALLY indicated as successful. I have done this MULTIPLE times, gone through all of the steps that a Quickbooks expert has advised, but there appears to be a glitch. 

 

ADDITIONALLY, Mr. Dan helped me by remoting in to my computer, and advised me to export all of the previously exported taxes, (along with the 2 that I want to export). Now, I have duplicates in my chart of accounts that I need help deleting since my balance is now completely off! But the problem still remains, that the 2 that I want exported/imported will not reflect. 

 

Please, please put me in touch with someone who will be able to solve my problem! 
Mark_R
Moderator

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

I appreciate the detailed information you've shared, @Nickie2.

 

I want to make sure your imported taxes from QuickBooks Online (QBO) to your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac gets resolved. I'd like to redirect you to the best support group available to get this addressed right away.

 

Since your taxes don't reflect the deduction, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Support Team again. I understand that you already contacted them before, but they're the right support team to check this matter further. They can also help you fix the duplicate taxes in your chart of accounts.

 

In the future, you might want to learn more about how to manage your transactions in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. You can read this user guide for the detailed steps and information: QuickBooks Desktop Mac 2021 User's Guide.

 

Please know you can continue to reach me here with any additional questions about importing payroll data. Thanks for coming to the Community, wishing you continued success.

typerider
Level 1

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

This is such a fail. Wow. Not feeling so good about shoveling money towards a company that messes up so badly on something so fundamental.

JC_Inc
Level 1

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Completely agree with Pinnwal, I am so irritated by the disruption! More money, less functionality, and can't complain enough the service. 

Sherie1
Level 1

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Support is terrible!! I have spent as least 2 hrs on the phone with support on 2 different occasions. Neither person knew how to help me export an iif file from Quickbooks Online Payroll to the QuickBooks Desktop software. It used to be so simple in Intuit Online Payroll. What a waste of my time!! Now I have to manually enter payroll transactions so that I can move on and reconcile my accounts.

ericpchao01
Level 1

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Hi all, 

 

I am having the same issue with you guys ever since the switch. And finally, I found one why to solve partial of the issue. Let me split my issues into 2

 

1. payroll every month:

- I use auto payroll so it runs automatically every month, and I expect all the payroll details would be exported to my QB for Mac. But no. This is still not solved. And I don't see anything left in the export section to export it manually. 

 

2. pay payroll tax:

- this is done manually to pay and export. I have had issue not getting a download IIF file. Today I finally saw Safari blocked the pop up window (a small tiny icon shown on web address line). Once I click on it to allow pop up, the file was downloaded. For now, this part is solved.

 

***  this is specifically for the Support Team.

I have read through the whole thread and I think you are not getting the point/ issue with most people. And I am having the same issue too.

After unsuccessful export, whether it's from my (1) or (2) issue listed above, and we tried to RE-EXPORT the IIF file (note the capped RE-EXPORT), we cannot find a place to download the "supposedly exported but downloaded IIF file" from Online Payroll. The question is: Is there a listed in the online payroll site that listed all the "supposedly exported IIF file" that we can re-download? Your posted kept going back to the setting. This has nothing to do with the setting. We just need to re-download. And please don't tell us to keep going back to the export section and export. There is nothing there. 

 

Adrian_A
Moderator

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

It isn't the kind of experience that we want you to come across, ericpchao01.

 

I do appreciate you for sharing with us the steps to resolve the issues with regards to payroll. 

 

As for the export, I'd recommend reaching out to our Phone Support team so we can take a look at your file and investigate further why you're unable to export IIF file. You can reach out to them through this link: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

 

Keep us posted if there's anything that I can help with. Keep safe!

dhoschouer
Level 1

Create iif file to export data from online payroll

Select the Pencil icon next to Export..There is no export option in Payroll settings.  I have an accounting option and it states: 

Accounting
  •  
    Choose how payroll transactions are exported
    Not exporting
     
    if I click the pencil next to the accounting option, there is no where in the settings, to change the export???  I have called QBO and QBDT multiple times and they have NO answers!! Please help
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