The new QB Payroll website has a bug when trying to export payroll transactions to an IIF file for QB Desktop. The file does not get saved (no prompt to save a file).

Thank you for posting here on the Community page, 20YearCustomer.

It's my priority to make sure that you can export payroll transactions to an IIF file to QuickBooks Desktop.

It's possible this could have something to do with temporary internet files. This is why you're unable to save the file. Browsing applications store these types of records, but sometimes they can cause issues with certain web pages. You can open a private window and check to see if you can save the file. 

Here's how to access incognito mode in some of the most commonly used web browsers:

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

If you can now save the file while browsing privately, it's safe to say this problem's being caused by your browser. It can be fixed by clearing cached data and Intuit-specific cookies.

These resources will guide you on how to export, convert, and limitations when you convert from your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop: 

• Limitations when you convert from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop

• Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop

• Export Intuit Online Payroll transactions to QuickBooks for Windows or Mac (IIF)

Feel free to post a comment below if you have any other concerns about exporting. I’m more than willing to lend you a hand. Have a good one.

In this case it is not an issue with Temporary Internet files stored by the web browser.  I did test with Incognito Mode and tried different web browsers.  Also, please note this post addresses an issue with QB Payroll which is separate from QB Online.  Finally, the help links at the bottom of your post addresses the Export Setup and Import process but does not specifically address the "Export Transactions" step in QB Payroll.  Below is more information on what I believe to be a significant bug:

- Intuit purchased the company "PayCycle" over 10 years ago.  PayCycle provided an online payroll service and I was an early customer so I have been using the website for over 10 years.

- This year, QB launched a new online payroll website which is basically the old PayCycle website with a new look and feel but very similar in functionality EXCEPT for the export process.  QB forced all customers to the new website on May 1, 2021.

- What changed with the export process?  Previously, when exporting payroll transactions you would be presented with a list of all transaction and you could select the ones you wanted to export.  Now, you can only export all or nothing - no more choice in which transactions.  Also, previously you could see which transaction had already been exported and you could mark them as "unexported" so that you could export again.  Now, there is no option and once they have been "exported" you only get a message "No more transactions to export" so basically you are stuck.

- What is the issue?  When you click on "Export Transactions" you get a message "Exporting" and then "Done" but you never get a prompt to save a file.  Also, it does not automatically save a file in the browser Downloads directory.  It also does not save a default filename in a default QB directory anywhere.  This is a bug.  I'm using Windows 7 with Chrome and have tested other browsers as well.

I have been using the new website since the forced migration on May 1, 2021.  Running payroll, paying taxes and filing forms has been working (although I'm not a fan of the new look and feel).  However, once Q2 ended I went to use the export function and it does not work.

Unfortunately, until this bug is fixed, I cannot do any bookkeeping with QB.

In this case it is not an issue with Temporary Internet files stored by the web browser.  I did test with Incognito Mode and tried different web browsers.  Also, please note this post addresses an issue with QB Payroll which is separate from QB Online.  Finally, the help links at the bottom of your post address the Export Setup and Import process but does not specifically address the "Export Transactions" step in QB Payroll.  Below is more information on what I believe to be a significant bug:

- Intuit purchased the company "PayCycle" over 10 years ago.  PayCycle provided an online payroll service and I was an early customer so I have been using the website for over 10 years.

- This year, QB launched a new online payroll website which is basically the old PayCycle website with a new look and feel but very similar in functionality EXCEPT for the export process.  QB forced all customers to the new website on May 1, 2021.

- What changed with the export process?  Previously, when exporting payroll transactions you would be presented with a list of all transactions and you could select the ones you wanted to export.  Now, you can only export all or nothing - no more choice in which transactions.  Also, previously you could see which transactions had already been exported and you could mark them as "unexported" so that you could export again.  Now, there is no option and once they have been "exported" you only get a message "No more transactions to export" so basically you are stuck.

- What is the issue?  When you click on "Export Transactions" you get a message "Exporting" and then "Done" but you never get a prompt to save a file.  Also, it does not automatically save a file in the browser Downloads directory.  It also does not save a default filename in a default QB directory anywhere.  This is a bug.  I'm using Windows 7 with Chrome and have tested other browsers as well.

I have been using the new website since the forced migration on May 1, 2021.  Running payroll, paying taxes and filing forms has been working (although I'm not a fan of the new look and feel).  However, once Q2 ended I went to use the export function and it does not work.

Unfortunately, until this bug is fixed, I cannot do any bookkeeping with QB.

Hi there, @20YearCustomer. Thank you for updating and sharing us some information about what could possibly be the culprit.

Since you're getting the same issue using different browsers, I encourage reaching out to our Payroll Support Team team. This way, a representative can review why payroll file doesn't get saved, and investigate this further.

Here's how:

1. Click the (?) Help icon in the upper right-hand corner of the Dashboard.
2. Select Talk to a Human.
3. Enter a short description of your concern and press Enter.
4. Click I still need a human.
5. Select Contact Us to connect with our live support.
6. Choose Get a callback.
   

To ensure we address your concern, our representatives are available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturdays, PST. For more information, check out our support hours and types.  

Please know that you're always welcome to post if you have any other concerns. Wishing you and your business continued success.

---

I'm also from PayCycle and have been on IOP for many years before being forced to move to QBO in May. Now I'm facing the exact same bug as @20YearCustomer : no file was generated/downloaded when clicking on "Export Transactions". Tried all different browsers and computers - cannot export and cannot do bookkeeping for Q2, which is a big problem! I miss the old IOP but it's no longer available...please fix this asap - have to look for new payroll service otherwise.

@20YearCustomer wrote:

.......

When you click on "Export Transactions" you get a message "Exporting" and then "Done" but you never get a prompt to save a file.  Also, it does not automatically save a file in the browser Downloads directory.  It also does not save a default filename in a default QB directory anywhere.  This is a bug.  I'm using Windows 7 with Chrome and have tested other browsers as well.

 

I have been using the new website since the forced migration on May 1, 2021.  Running payroll, paying taxes and filing forms has been working (although I'm not a fan of the new look and feel).  However, once Q2 ended I went to use the export function and it does not work.

 

Unfortunately, until this bug is fixed, I cannot do any bookkeeping with QB.

---

I have contacted Payroll Support Team about this issue now a few times - I used both chat and phone call back.  I was on the phone for over an hour and they were unable to help resolve the issue.  They offered the same suggestions of using incognito mode and trying different web browsers.

How do I escalate this issue to the development team?

Thanks for getting back to us, @20YearCustomer. I'll make sure you'll get the right support for escalating your issue about exporting payroll IIF files from QuickBooks Online Payroll (QBOP) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

We have a separate and dedicated forum where you can escalate your exporting concerns for QuickBooks Online (QBO). This is where our development team engages with others to discuss programming issues. I encourage you to post your question from there. That way, our product developers can provide the appropriate resolution. Here's  how. 

1. Go to the Intuit Developer page.
2. Choose QuickBooks Online under What do you need help with?. 
3. Click Ask a Question. 
4. Log into your existing Intuit Developer Account or create a new one. 
5. Enter a brief description of your concern. 
6. Click Ask. 

I've attached screenshots below that show the second to fourth steps.

Meanwhile, I'm adding this article to learn more about importing IIF files to QBDT: Export, import, and edit IIF files. It includes details about the process's limitations and a step-by-step guide.

Also, you can utilize this article to help you process payroll, manage employees, pay taxes, and file tax forms using QBOP: Commonly used articles to get started with Payroll.

Please let me know in the comments if you need anything else. I'll gladly help. Have a great day ahead, and stay safe.

Also having major issues, when I researched I found this gem (see screenshot)

I found a work around for this problem. I to have the same issue where exporting the payroll does nothing. To export as we used to you need to go to "Employees". Below the "Run Payroll" button there is blue highlighted text "Paycheck List". Click the "Paycheck List" text and you will go to a new screen. There will likely only be one or a few listed. Click the "Date Range" tab and select "This Quarter" then hit the green "Run Report" button. Now you should see the list of paychecks. Click the ones you want to Export. Once you click the box a new formatted menu pops up above the list, click "Export to accounting" and the iiF file will export as it used to.

THANK YOU!!!!!  I have been trying to figure this out for days. You rock!!!!

Thank so much for your help.  I've been trying to figure this out for the past couple of weeks. No tutorials.  No help online.  No help on chat.  It's been a nightmare.  The old payroll online was so easy and intuitive.  

OMG, thank you, rjgessner74! What a lifesaver you are. Like the others, I've spent days trying to figure this out, including HOURS on the phone with QB technical staff, who said it couldn't be done. What a relief!

Thank you so much!!!!

Can someone from Customer support contact me?

I have tried every avenue it seems, but all the help buttons just give me the go around, bringing me again and again to the same non-helpful page.

Even though I export the transactions after each payroll from Intuit Payroll to QB desktop, today it is showing me myriads of past transactions as if in need to export again (+ each one is multiplied several times and with $0 amounts)

Btw my question got collapsed with this other issue people had been having but I believe they are 2 different issues

I can provide the steps on how you can get a call from our Live Support Team, LaSw.

While we're unable to initiate a call here in the Community Forum, you can request a callback. That way, they can check your company file and find those exported payroll transactions.

Here are the steps you can follow.

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Select Contact Us.
4. Enter your concern, then select Continue.
5. Choose Get a callback from an expert (availability may be limited).

You can also call them so you won't wait for the callback. Use the phone number provided in this article: Contact Payroll Support. Select QuickBooks Desktop Payroll and you'll see the contact number.

I'm also adding this link as a guide when moving paychecks to QuickBooks Desktop: Export Intuit Online Payroll transactions to QuickBooks for Windows or Mac (IIF).

Stay in touch with me by commenting below if you have follow-up questions about exporting paychecks. I'm always around to provide the information that you need.

When I'm in my quickbooks online payroll I no longer get a list of contractor payments when attempting to "export transactions". I've been doing the export for a long time but recently it just stopped working. Attached is the screen for the Export Transactions page.

I changed the date filter for this month (Jan. 1, 2022 - Jan. 31, 2022) and it lists nothing to export. I just did a payment on Jan. 21st but it still lists nothing. Even though I would filter as far back as Sept. 1, 2021 the filter does not list any payments. Please help!

Let me help you see the list of contractor payments when exporting transactions, @jsjung35.

The browser's cache data may have overextended system resources that prevents QuickBooks Online (QBO) from loading contractor payments. To isolate this issue, I suggest using an incognito or private browser. This mode has no browsing history and cache data that slows loading performance.

Access and follow specific browser keyboard shortcuts:

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

Then run QBO to see the list of contractor payments. If it works, I recommend clearing your regular browser's cache to boost the browser's performance. This will also enhance your browsing experience while working with QuickBooks. Alternatively, you can run QBO from other supported browsers like Firefox and Chrome.

In addition, you can use the Audit log to check if the contractor payments has been removed from the list or see entry history.

Let me know if you have additional questions or QuickBooks-related concerns. I'm always open to help you out. Keep safe.

@Jovychris_A I tried your method and I was able to get a list of contractor payments. However, even with clearing my browser cache I am still getting nothing in the Export Transactions interface. In fact, when I tried to filter by late as far back as Oct. 2021 I am getting no results in the Export Transactions even selecting "All" regardless of exported or not exported transactions. Is there an issue with the date filter in the Export Transactions interface for the Quickbooks Payroll.

Also, I do not have an Audit Log option in the settings menu. I've provided the screenshot for Export Transactions and Setting Menu.

Hello, jsjung35.

Thanks for keeping in touch with us. Let's dig a little bit deeper and help you fix the missing contractor payments when exporting. 

You'll want to re-toggle your export settings to ensure QuickBooks will be able to scan and show the data on the Export Transactions interface. Here are the steps in case you need help: 

1. Click the Gear icon, then select Payroll settings.
2. On the Export section, click the pencil icon to edit the settings.
3. Click the Change link under the FROM PAYROLL box, then re-toggle the program where you want to export your data. 
4. Re-toggle the mapping settings if necessary. 
5. Click Done. 

Go to the Export Transactions interface again, then check your contractor payments. 

If you still can't see your contractor payments on the export interface, you'll want to contact our support. One of our agents will be able to look deeper into the system and see what's preventing you from exporting the payments. Here's how to reach them: 

1. Click the Help menu. 
2. On the list of preset options, select Talk to a human. 
3. When asked, enter the error message or simply type "Talk to a human" again. 
4. Click the I still need a human, then proceed with the Get help from a human link. 
5. Choose how you want to reach us. 

Do you need to verify and check your payroll data through reports after fixing the issue? This article might be able to help you familiarize the preset reports in QuickBooks: Run payroll report.

Don't forget to drop by in the Community space again if you have questions about managing your payroll or contractor data in QuickBooks. Create a new thread or reply here, and I'll help you work on your tasks in QuickBooks. 

I figured out what happened with my own different issue of paychecks from the previous year showing up again for export but with $0 amounts:

(I use Intuit Payroll online and QB desktop )

While entering the new state unemployment tax rate (1.50%) at the beginning of this year, I had gone by mistake on the previous year rate (1.60%) and changed it. I immediately changed it back but this must have created adjustments back and forth to the old paychecks leaving these $0 checks. 

I am now exporting them to a safe folder on my computer, in case..., but actually, I will not import them to QBks desktop.

Thanks to the QBks customer service reps who have reached out to me! (Maybe this situation can be shared with them and other reps so they can help the next person who encounters this problem.)

I got this far before searching online, but the problem still exists. I don't get the menu after applying "export selected paychecks". After hitting the export button, it just says it exported but NO .iif file exports. It says it's doing it but nothing ever saves out. I really am over this... just a simple process that worked and now days upon days of trying to fix what is now broken.

ALLOW pop up windows in Safari or other web browser! This was the issue and once allowed for this site, the .iif file downloaded as before! WHOLA!

FIXED: Allow pop up windows in the web browser of choice. If not allowed, no .iif file will export!