Why do I get message Past the direct deposit deadline when I am processing payroll 3 days in advance?

Glad to have you here, @AHoward1,

I want to make sure you're able to complete your payroll run in QuickBooks. I just have a few questions about this, so I can look into them and provide you the information you need. 

May I know when is your Direct Deposit check date (posting date)? Also, what is the exact error message or code are you getting when you try to submit the payroll? Any additional information or screenshots will greatly help.

In the meantime, check out these articles about the Direct Deposit processing and what affects your posting date: 
 

• When do I need to submit payroll to pay employees on time?
• How do federal holidays affect my direct deposit?

I'll be waiting for your response @AHoward1. Just click the Reply button below to connect with me again. Have a lovely day!

When I go to the Run Payroll page and put in the pay period (9/7/20-9/13/20) and pay date 9/18/20, there is already a message box circled in yellow that says "You have missed the direct deposit deadline. If you process payroll direct deposit will post on 9/22/20." I had not attempted to actually run the payroll because I don't want to risk the payroll being late to our employees.

Thanks for getting back here, AHoward1.

I have some idea on why you're getting the error. For QuickBooks Online, you have one of the following funding times for direct deposit:

• Same-day: Workers are paid the same day you send your payroll to us.
• Next-day: Workers are paid the next banking day after you send your payroll to us.
• 2-day: Workers are paid two banking days after you send your payroll to us.
• 5-day: Workers are paid five banking days after you send your payroll to us.

It looks like you have the 5-day lead time. This is why the payroll direct deposit will post on 9/22/20. You can check the information by following these steps:

1. Go to the Gear > Payroll settings.
2. Scroll to the Direct Deposit section. You'll see your funding time above your direct deposit limits.

If you want to change the funding time, you can check out this article and go to the How do I get a faster funding time? section: View or change your direct deposit funding time.

Otherwise, record the paycheck and change the pay method to paper check Then, manually pay the employees outside of QuickBooks.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to Payroll > Employees > Run payroll.
2. Select the Pay Schedule.
3. In the Run Payroll page, put a check mark on the employees you want to pay.
4. From the Pay Method column, click the Direct Deposit link and select Paper check.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish payroll.

I've got this sample screenshot for a visual guide:

For reference, you can check this article: Create pay checks in online payroll.

Please let me know if you have other concerns for QuickBooks Online. I'd be more than happy to lend a hand. Take care and stay safe.