It_says_I_need_to_print_payroll_checks_but_there_are_no_checks_to_be_printed._What_s_going_on_

It says I need to print payroll checks, but there are no checks to be printed. What's going on?

Issue

I'm trying to update the general ledger, but it keeps telling me that I have payroll checks that need to be printed. When I go to print payroll checks, there aren't any payroll checks waiting to print. What's going on? 


Explanation

Sometimes all the payroll checks with amounts have been printed, but the payroll checks with a zero amount have not been printed. There is a zero amount payroll check that needs to be printed and it wasn't included in the check run because the option to Include zero-net checks. 


Examples of a zero net check:

  • A voided check. A check that h as been canceled or marked as invalid before or after being issued, ensuring it cannot be cashed or deposited. This is typically done to correct payroll errors, prevent unauthorized payments, or set up direct deposit information. 

  • Full wage garnishment. The employee's entire payroll check is garnished for child support, tax levies, or creditor judgements, leaving no remaining net pay. 

  • Deductions equal earnings. The employee has high benefit deductions (for example, health insurance, retirement contributions, loan repayments, union dues) that fully offset their gross earnings.

  • Advance repayment or payroll error correction. The employee previously received a pay advance, and the full amount is deducted from the current check, leaving a zero balance. 

  • Unpaid leave or negative PTO adjustment. The employee did not work during the pay period, and their paid time off (PTO) balance is negative, meaning their earnings are offset by deductions. 

  • Final payroll check adjustments. An employee's final payroll check may include deductions for overpaid wages, unreturned company property, or outstanding balances, resulting in zero take-home pay. 

  • Tax withholdings equal pay. If an employee earns a small amount (such as a partial day's wage), and the federal, state, or local tax withholdings consume the entire payroll check, the net amount could be zero. 


Solution

To fix this issue, 

  • set up payroll checks (Employees > Payroll Checks), select the option to Include net zero amount checks to see if selecting the checkbox pulls in a check issue date with a check that has not been printed. Run the routine to print the checks with a zero net amount. 

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