MY QB online payroll is limiting my over 50 employees to the lowest max amount for 401K why doesn't it change to the max allowable and how do I fix this bad programming?

Hello there, @pixidoc.

I'd be glad to guide you increasing 401K contribution limit in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

We can create a catch-up payroll item so that QuickBooks will automatically allow a higher contribution limit for your employees.

To begin, let's delete the 401k deduction item so that you can create the 401k catch-up item.

Here's how:
 

1. On the left pane, choose Workers.
2. Hit the Employees tab then select the employee's name.
3. Under the employee's name, click the Edit employee button.
4. In section 4, tick the Pencil icon.
5. Tap the trash bin icon beside the 401k item.
6. Click Yes to confirm.
    

After that, let's set up the 401k catch-up deduction item.

Here's how: 
 

1. Tap Workers, then hit the Employees tab.
2. Choose the employee's name, then click Edit employee under the employee's name.
3. In section 4, click Add a new deduction.
4. From the Deduction/contribution or garnishment drop-down, select Deduction/contribution.
5. From the Deduction/contribution drop-down, select New deduction/contribution.
6. From the Deduction/contribution type drop-down, select Retirement Plans.
7. From the Type drop-down, select 401(k) Catch-up.
8. Enter a description or the name of the provider for the retirement plan.
9. Hit $ amount or % of gross pay for the Amount per pay period, and then enter the dollar amount or percent of the deduction or contribution per paycheck for this employee.
10. Select OK.
     

After you set up that item for one employee, you can assign it to other employees. Also, QuickBooks will record the transactions under one deduction item.  

I've also added some articles for future reference: 
 

• Catch-up retirement plans
• Deferred compensation limits
• IRS Announces 2018 Pension Plan Limitations
   

For additional help, you can also call our Payroll Support to guide you through the steps. They can initiate a screen sharing session to help you resolve set this up quickly. 

Please know that you're always welcome to comment below if you have other concerns about managing your payroll contributions in QBO. I'm always here to help. Taka care!