What is the process for starting a new pay schedule at the beginning of year? We are on every 2 weeks now and want to change to semi monthly.

Hi, NWANDERSON. I can show you how to switch from a bi-weekly to a semi-monthly pay schedule and ensure it goes smoothly at the beginning of the year.

To assign a new pay schedule to your employees, finalize their pending paychecks with the current pay schedule to avoid future issues. Once you've completed that, update their schedules through their profiles.

To start:

1. Sign in to your QBO account.
2. Click on Employees from the Payroll menu.  
3. Select the employee's name.
4. Tap on Edit from the Employment details section.  
5. Choose the pay schedule for the employee moving forward from the Pay schedule dropdown. Or, create a new pay schedule by clicking on + Add pay schedule.  
6. Fill out the appropriate fields, then Save.   
7. Repeat the same steps for other employees.

You may also run through the details from this article for additional reference: Set up and manage payroll schedules.

After that, get ready to run your employees' paychecks using their new pay schedules.

Please let me know in the comment section below if you have follow-up questions while creating, managing, assigning, or updating pay schedules in our system. I'm here and ready to assist you again.

Hi, and thanks for the response!

I understand the mechanics for making the change, but I want to verify the stop and start payroll periods. 

Our next payroll date is Dec 8 for the pay period 11/20 - 12/3.  Then, there is a pay date of 12/22 for pay period 12/4 - 12/17.   That way the first pay period in January would be for a short pay period 12/18/23 - 12/27/23 to be paid on 1/1/24.  So I would put in the new pay cycle starting this 12/18-12/27 period?

The next would be pay period 12/28/23 - 1/10/24 with pay date of 1/15/24, pay period 1/11/24 - 1/25/24 with pay date of 1/30/24, etc

So then my pay dates are the 1st and the 15th and the end of the period is 5 days before the pay date.

Does this sound right?

Thanks for getting back to me quickly, NWANDERSON. I have additional insights about how to transition the pay schedules of your employees accordingly.

Yes. You can put in the new pay cycle starting 12/18/2023 to 12/27/2023. It ensures that the new pay schedule is already in place for the first pay date in January 2024.

However, I'd still suggest consulting an accounting expert for the best option for your business. If you don't have an accountant, you can search for one from this website: Consult with a certified professional. 

Once you open the page:

1. Enter a location.
2. Filter by business type or industry.
3. Get connected with an expert.

When you're ready to settle your forms and taxes after paying your employees, run through the resources from this article as your reference: Pay and file payroll taxes and forms electronically in QuickBooks Online Payroll.

You can rely on me if you have follow-up questions while working with your payroll entries in QuickBooks Online. Just leave a comment below so I can assist you further. Have a good one!