In setting up employees in Payroll Online I got an error message that deductions should be a % of wages but they aren't and I can't proceed.

Hi jsrclerk,

Thank you for taking the time to post in the Community.

The SS and Medicare in QuickBooks are calculated based on the rates stated in the FICA. We're unable to change them. Please check out this article for your reference: What is FICA tax,

If you have other questions about deductions, feel free to go back to this thread.