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April44
Level 2

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

I issued a bonus check to an employee & removed the employee 401K withdrawal, but forgot to remove the 401K employer match. I need to reverse that 401K match. It doesn't change the payroll check any. I haven't closed end of month yet & I haven't submitted payment to the 401K provider yet. This should be a quick fix, just not sure the best way to do so.

Solved
Best answer June 28, 2023

Best Answers
LeizylM
QuickBooks Team

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

Thanks for following the steps shared by my colleague above, April 44. I'd like to share additional info about payroll liability adjustments. 

 

You are correct regarding the date of the check used. We need to ensure that we choose the accurate year-to-date information for the Employees and the correct item names for the 401K employer to match.

 

I've added screenshots for your reference.

You can also refer to the following article to help you use a liability adjustment to correct employees’ year-to-date (YTD) or quarter-to-date (QTD) payroll info: Adjust payroll liabilities in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

I've also added this link on how to run a report to make sure everything looks right: Payroll Summary Report.

 

Let me know if you still have questions or clarifications about payroll liabilities. I'm always here to help. Have a great day!

View solution in original post

5 Comments 5
LieraMarie_A
QuickBooks Team

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

Hi there, @April44. We're pleased to have you here. I'm here to guide you on how to remove the 401K employer match.

 

To reverse the match and ensure accurate payroll records, you can utilize the Adjust Payroll Liabilities feature. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to Employees, then Payroll Taxes and Liabilities
  2. Select Adjust Payroll Liabilities.
  3. In the Date and Effective Date fields, select the last paycheck date of the affected month or quarter.
  4. In the Adjustment is for section, select Employee. Then, select the employee's name. Do this even if the item being adjusted is a company-paid item.
  5. In the Taxes and Liabilities section, select the Item Name column and select the payroll item for the 401K employer match.
  6. Enter the amount of the adjustment. 
    • If the item is under-withheld, enter a positive amount to increase. 
    • If the item is over-withheld, enter a negative amount to decrease.
  7. Select Accounts Affected, then choose Do not affect accounts or Affect liability and expense accounts.
    • To leave the balances unchanged for the liability and expense accounts that track the payroll items you are adjusting, select Do not affect accounts. The adjustment will still change the year-to-date amounts on your payroll reports.
    • To enter an adjusting transaction in the liability and expense accounts that track the payroll items you are adjusting, select Affect liability and expense accounts.
  8. Select OK to close the Affect Accounts window.
  9. Select OK again to record the adjustment.

 

You may also refer to this article: Adjust Payroll Liabilities.


By following these steps, you can reverse the 401K employer match without affecting the payroll check. Remember to review your payroll reports and ensure that the adjustments are reflected correctly.

 

The Community is always here if you need further assistance with running payroll. We're always around to help. Have a wonderful day!

April44
Level 2

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

I followed these steps & it did NOT change my total on the payroll summary report. The check was dated 06/23/23 & that's the date I used in the Date & Effective Date fields. Is that correct? I went back through the steps twice & my summary report didn't change. Can I just zero it out on the actual check, would that work?

LeizylM
QuickBooks Team

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

Thanks for following the steps shared by my colleague above, April 44. I'd like to share additional info about payroll liability adjustments. 

 

You are correct regarding the date of the check used. We need to ensure that we choose the accurate year-to-date information for the Employees and the correct item names for the 401K employer to match.

 

I've added screenshots for your reference.

You can also refer to the following article to help you use a liability adjustment to correct employees’ year-to-date (YTD) or quarter-to-date (QTD) payroll info: Adjust payroll liabilities in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

I've also added this link on how to run a report to make sure everything looks right: Payroll Summary Report.

 

Let me know if you still have questions or clarifications about payroll liabilities. I'm always here to help. Have a great day!

April44
Level 2

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

This worked. I needed to select Employee Adjustment & not Company (as previously provided in solution).

Mich_S
QuickBooks Team

Reverse a 401K Employer Match

Thanks for keeping us updated, @April44.

 

It's glad to know that my colleague is able to help you accomplish your goal of adjusting payroll liabilities. 

 

Feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance with payroll or QuickBooks. The Community is available to lend a hand to you and your business. Have a great rest of the week, and stay healthy!

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