Trying to delete a duplicate payroll entry but get error saying Performing the requested action would make QTD tax amounts negative. what should i do?

Greetings, @cedarsprings7354, 

I have some insight to provide you regarding deleting payroll in QuickBooks Online. 

The program allows deleting the paychecks of the current quarter. For example, for the first quarter of the year (January to March). You can remove the checks from January 1st up until the due date of your quarterly forms, which is April last day. 

For further details, check out this article:

Void or delete paychecks

It's possible that the payroll entry you're trying to delete is beyond a specific quarter, which is why you're getting this error. In cases like this, I'd recommend contacting us. 

Our specialists have the necessary tools to securely access your account and delete them for you. Make sure to consult your accountant prior to doing the process. There may be federal and state payroll tax forms you've filed that are needed to amend. 

You can see our most-up-to-date contact information at the bottom part of the article below:

QuickBooks Online Payroll hub

That's it! Please reach back to me if there are other things you need help with. I'll be around! 

I recently set up the payroll. I tried to set up an automatic deposit for one of the employees and it didn't go through properly. It was returned to us. I wrote a manual check to the employee. How do I delete the payroll from this employee's record? QBO gives me the error that this will cause a negative QTD amount. Your post suggests contacting 'you'; however, I cannot figure out where/how to contact anyone. Please advise.

Hi @FLCWendy,

As mentioned by my colleague above, it’s possible the returned check is from the previous quarter, which is why you’re also getting the error when trying to delete it. Let me route you to our Payroll Support to help remove the paycheck.

They can securely access your employee’s record to get rid of the check. Here’s how:

1.    Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
2.    Select Help (question mark icon) at the top right.
3.    Select Contact us.

Please let me know if there are other things you need help with. Have a good day!

I am having the same problem and it is not for the wrong quarter.  I have checked.  Why is it that we need to contact you?  It would be much more helpful if there is a way to follow instruction rather than always having to reach out to "experts".  

Hello, @bbh2509. 

We’ll advise our customers to contact the support directly if there’s no longer an option from their end to perform the troubleshooting steps. These are tools that only our Customer Support specialist has.

Also, I’ll take note of your feedback. That’ll help us ensure we're able to assist our customers properly in a manner that your experience is marked as outstanding. 

You can also check on the following article to help you with your payroll: Commonly used articles to get started with Payroll.

Let me know if there’s anything that I can assist with your account. I’m always here to help. Have a wonderful day!

In response to earlier comment.  It took an hour and nine minutes to resolve the problem.  Meaning I had to spend that time on the phone while an agent tried to resolve the issue.  That is not of good use of time for anybody.

I have followed your instructions and contacted Help twice for the same issue.  I need to delete a payroll for Q1, 2020, even though it still fits within the requirements to cancel.  I have spent a total of 2 hours while the professionals did what I believe I should be able to do.  

The first time, after over an hour I was able to see that the item was voided.  The next day I go back and the item is no longer voided.  So I am on the phone again - another hour.  Agent asks if I am happy - will I complete a survey.  Yes - sure.  This was Friday - it is not Sunday night - so to get ahead - I decide to update my payroll and file my 941 - and the voided check is back yet again.

I am not just upset.  This is beyond ridiculous.  CAN SOMEONE PLEASE CHECK TO SEE IF THERE IS A BUG.  AND IF ANY PRODUCT MANAGERS ARE LISTENING - FIX THE PROCESS OF HAVING TO CALL AN AGENT AND SPEND 2 HOURS TO VOID A CHECK!!!!!!!!!

This is not customer service.

Hello anna35,

In QuickBook Online, paychecks can only be voided in the same quarter they were created. This is why we requested you to reach out to our Customer Care Team. I've got this article for more details: Void a paycheck.

We're also unable to discuss any sensitive information in the Community. You can request for a callback to accommodate your changing business needs and schedule, or chat with us by following the steps below. 

Before doing so, please check our support hours here.

1. Go to the Help icon located in the upper right-hand corner.
2. In the Help window, click the Contact Us button located at the bottom.
3. Enter your question and click Let's talk.
4. Select Start messaging or Get a callback.

I'll look forward to helping you out here if you have other questions or concerns. Stay safe.

Day 10 and I am still waiting for my item to be removed.  Any suggestions??  I have spoken to a supervisor, I have spent 7 hours on the phone, I have submitted the request via email as instructed.  What am I doing wrong? All I need is one check deleted!!!!

Rest assured you'll get the right support to check the status of your request to delete a paycheck from the previous quarter, @bbh2509.

Here in the Community, our top priority is the security of your account. Since it's been days and your paycheck is not yet deleted, I'd recommend contacting our Payroll Support team again. They have the tool to process your request so you can file your first quarter's payroll taxes containing the correct information.

You can also request a call back from our support to set your availability time. Kindly follow the step-by-step process provided by RenjolynC above.

Once done, you can pull up a payroll report to check the accuracy of your transactions. Select any of the reports available in QuickBooks by checking out this article: Run payroll reports. It contains the description of each report so you can choose the best one that can provide all the details you need.

Please let me know if you have other concerns. I'm just around to help.