How to issue final paycheck ahead of payroll schedule

I can help process the final paycheck in QuickBooks Online (QBO), @office20487.

You can create a scheduled or unscheduled final paycheck in QuickBooks Online (QBO) through the Payroll menu. We can create an Unscheduled Payroll since you'll want to create the paycheck ahead of the schedule.

Here's how:

1. Go to the Payroll menu, and then choose the Employees tab.

2. Click the drop-down arrow, and then one of the following: Bonus only, Commission only, or Fringe benefits if you already selected one of these as the payment type.

3. Select As net pay if you know the exact amount you need to pay the employee. Otherwise, select As gross pay.

4. Enter any additional info about taxes or paycheck calculations.

5. Pick the bank account you use to track them. 

6. Select the employee you want to pay, and enter their hours, compensation, etc. In the Pay section, select Edit ✎.

7. Under Pay Method for each employee, select the link to choose a paper or direct deposit paycheck.

8. Select Preview payroll details to review the details. Then select Save for later or Submit payroll.

9. When you're ready, select Finish Payroll.

Once done, you'll want to update their employee status. This way, they'll be removed from your active employee list so you don’t get billed for them anymore. Go to the In QuickBooks Online Payroll drop-down ▼ of this article for the steps: Update employee status.

I've also added this link about managing payroll in QBO: Set up and manage payroll schedules.

Feel free to get back here in the Community if you need more help with managing your payroll or other QuickBooks-related concerns. I'd be delighted to help you some more. Take care and stay safe always.

Hi, @office20487.

Hope you’re doing great. I wanted to see how everything is going about issuing a final paycheck you had the other day. 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 any time.

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

I tried this on multiple devices with safari, edge, and chrome.  Both Mac and windows devices.  The product does not allow me to enter pay information anywhere.  The edit icon does not work.  I am only able to add a memo, which, of course, does nothing in terms of getting the program to calculate pay and submit it.  The product simply does not work.  The pay period dates are correct and in the past, the pay date is correct and in the future, the account selected is correct, etc.

Thanks for joining this thread, @FuzzyUrchn. I appreciate your detailed information. 

I can see how important it is to create paychecks ahead of the payroll schedule in your business. As I've checked here on my end, there are no reported cases relating to your issue. There are times when the browser retains out-of-date Internet files that may cause websites to run slow on your computer, just like QuickBooks Online (QBO).

I'd recommend logging in to your QBO account using an incognito window. This is the best place to identify any browser-related issues. You can use these keyboard shortcuts to open one:

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

If you're able to edit and enter the pay information while browsing privately, it's safe to say this problem's being caused by the browser. It can be fixed by clearing cached data and Intuit-specific cookies.

If the issue persists, I'd suggest contacting our QuickBooks Online Support team. This way, they'll be able to pull up the account in a secure environment, conduct further research, and create an investigation ticket if necessary.

Here's how:

1. In your QBO account, click Help.
2. Click the Search tab, and click Contact Us.
3. Enter the error message in the description box, and select Continue.
4. Start a chat with a support expert.

Moreover, you can check out this article about managing payroll schedules: Set up and manage payroll schedules.

Don't hesitate to reply below if you require further assistance with managing payroll. The Community is here to help. Keep safe!

Is there an updated version of these steps for the current desktop program?

I've got the assistance you need when creating final paychecks ahead of your regular payroll schedule, JessRuss.

In QuickBooks Desktop, we can create Unscheduled Payroll to allow processing of final paychecks outside of the payroll schedule. To help you in creating these, you can follow the steps below:

1. Go to Employees and select Pay Employees. Then, click Unscheduled Payroll.
2. Verify the Pay Period Ends date, Check Date, and QuickBooks Bank Account.
3. Select the employees you want to pay.
4. You can enter hours using the grid, or if you are using timesheets, you’ll see all their hours for this pay period already entered. To see everyone's paycheck details, select Open Paycheck Detail.
5. Click Save & Close, then select Continue.
6. Review the Check/Direct Deposit printing options.
7. Verify the amounts for each employee and select Create Paychecks.
8. Print paychecks and print pay stubs now or later if desired.

For more detailed information, you can visit this article: Create and run your payroll.

Moreover, you can run specific payroll reports to help track your business finances in the future. Then, you may also pay and file federal taxes and forms electronically in your desktop company file.

We're always available in this thread for any additional queries you may have when processing payroll in your account. Feel free to leave a reply in the comments below. Keep safe!