Separate bank account for taxes and payroll

Thanks for posting your question here, tv0571. I'm happy to provide some clarity around the payroll bank account settings in QBO.

At this time, there is no option to use separate bank accounts for paying employees vs tax payments in QuickBooks Online Payroll. That's why you can only select one account in the Payroll Settings window.

I understand it would be beneficial for users to be able to assign distinct accounts for different payroll functions. You can submit this as a feature request to our product development team for consideration.

Here are instructions on how to send product feedback:

1. Go to the Gear icon and select Feedback.
2. Type in your suggestion and click Next.

Although, you can always update the company settings to change the payroll bank account if needed. Here are details on how to do that: Change Your Payroll Bank Account. 

Additionally, here are a couple of articles with guidance for getting started with QBO Payroll after transitioning from QuickBooks Desktop:

• Learn What To Do After You Move From QuickBooks Desktop To QuickBooks Online
• Get Started With QuickBooks Online Payroll

Please feel free to visit us again if any other questions come up when paying your employees, tv0571. I'd be glad to explain the functionality around payroll processes in QBO.  

Thanks for the reply and explanation.

I wish Intuit would provide a detailed document describing the differences between Desktop and Online.  I was led to believe that Online had all the same functionality and I'm finding it doesn't.  This mistake nearly cost me some hefty service charges and rework with the IRS.

Hey there, @tv0571.

Thanks for reaching back out. 

We have guides and articles listed below that can compare the two products for you and give you additional details: 

• QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop
• Choose the QuickBooks Desktop or Online product for your needs

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Have a wonderful day! 

If I change the main payroll bank acct but I choose a different account for each employee to be paid from would that work as a work around ? Or will the main payroll bank account be used both for direct deposit and payroll tax payments? 

Joining in this conversation to share some details about using separate bank accounts for paying employees and tax payments, ZeeTax.

The option to use a different bank account for employee and tax payments isn't available. You'll have to use your main payroll bank account for your employee's direct deposit and payroll tax payments.

I recognize the advantages this feature would bring to your workflow. Therefore, I encourage you to submit a feature request to QuickBooks regarding this capability. Your feedback is crucial and can help drive future updates, enhancing the user experience.

Here's how:  

1. Navigate to the Gear icon.
2. Under Profile, choose Feedback.
3. Enter your feedback suggestion.
4. Hit the Next button. 

Finally, I’d like to share these resources to assist you in adjusting your payroll preferences and preparing your tax forms in QuickBooks:

• Change your accounting preferences in QuickBooks Online Payroll
• Year-end checklist for QuickBooks Online Payroll

I’m here to help you with any additional questions you may have regarding the processing of your tax obligations.