Getting Started With QuickBooks Online Payroll
To get started with QuickBooks Online Payroll, you first need to add the service to your account. Once activated, we guide you through a setup interview to gather the necessary details about your company and employees.
Turning on Payroll
If you haven’t already subscribed, you can add payroll through your account:
- Select the Settings gear icon.
- Select Account and settings.
- Go to the Billing & Subscription tab.
- In the Payroll section, select Add or Explore to choose a payroll plan that fits your business.
The Setup Interview
The first time you access payroll, the setup interview opens automatically. This step-by-step process helps you configure your payroll settings. You will be asked to:
- Enter company info: Provide your business legal name, address, and tax ID (EIN).
- Set up pay schedules: Define how often you pay employees (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
- Add employees: Input employee details and compensation.
- Choose tax settings: Confirm your federal and state tax profiles.
Information to Have Ready
To complete the setup smoothly, gather the following information before you begin:
- Employee Details:
- Full legal names, addresses, and Social Security numbers (SSN).
- Dates of birth and hire dates.
- Form W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Certificate) for federal taxes and applicable state withholding forms.
- Compensation:
- Pay types (hourly, salary, commission).
- Pay rates and salary amounts.
- Benefits & Deductions:
- Health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and other voluntary deductions.
- Company contributions (if applicable).
- Tax Information:
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
- State tax ID numbers (if applicable).
- Local tax information (if your business is subject to local taxes).
Once the setup is complete, you can run your first payroll by going to the Payroll or Workers menu and selecting Run payroll.