How to add employees in the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll setup wizard

by Intuit •

13 •

Updated 8/4/2026 00:26

The first step in setting up your payroll in QuickBooks Desktop is to add your employees. We'll go over how to do that including personal info, pay rates and deductions, how you pay your employees, and W-4 info. Then we’ll show you what to do next depending on whether you’ve already paid employees this year or not.

QuickBooks Desktop Payroll AssistedQuickBooks Desktop Payroll BasicQuickBooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced

Sign in now for personalized help

See articles customized for your product and join our large community of QuickBooks users.

Learn about QuickBooks Desktop Payroll with how-to videosBy QuickBooks
Set up and manage Maine Paid Family LeaveBy QuickBooks
Fix error codes 00000 XXXXX in payroll setupBy QuickBooks
Set up Vermont Child Care Contribution taxBy QuickBooks
Set up Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI)By QuickBooks

How to add employees in the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll setup wizard

Sign in now for personalized help

Related Articles