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April 21, 2024
Question

Paying multiple 1099 contractors in Quickbooks Online

  • April 21, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

How can I input the pay amounts for my numerous contractors in QuickBooks Online and save them for future submission? This way, I can easily submit payments on their due dates either by Direct Deposit or Check without the hassle of entering data at the last minute.

1 reply

April 21, 2024

I've got a couple of suggestions so you can record the contractor's payments in advance, Aayush. I'll explain it further below.

 

You can use the Recurring Transaction feature in recording check payments in advance. This way, you don't have to enter the data at the last minute. Since you have multiple contractors, you can create several recurring check templates for each contractor and use them once you're ready to pay them. You can follow the steps outlined below for guidance:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon, then select Recurring Transactions.
  2. Click the New button, choose Check on the Transaction Type dropdown, then hit OK
  3. Enter the Template name, then select the Type either ScheduledReminder, or Unscheduled. You can also enter the number of days the transaction you create in advance.
  4. Select a contractor on the Payee dropdown list and the Bank account you use to pay them.
  5. Enter the remaining details in the fields provided.
  6. Once done, click Save template.

 

On the other hand, if you use Direct deposit to pay your contractors, you can record the payment in advance. However, this will depend on the lead time. If you want to change the lead time to 5 days before the paycheck date, you can change it in the Payroll settings

 

You can visit this article for a detailed explanation about the direct deposit lead time and how to change it: When to send your direct deposit payroll.

 

To pay your contractors through Direct deposit, here's how:

 

  1. Click Expenses, then select Contractors.
  2. Select Pay contractors.
  3. Double-check the Bank account you'll be paying from, and select the Pay date.
  4. Find and select the contractor(s) you'd like to pay.
  5. Choose Direct deposit as the payment method.
  6. In the Account dropdown, select the expense category you use to track contractor payments. 
  7. Enter the necessary payment info.
  8. Select Preview Contractor Pay, then click Submit Contractor Pay.
  9. Hit Done.

 

Here's the full article for a detailed process: Pay a contractor with direct deposit.

 

Furthermore, if there's information you'd like to change to the recurring templates, you can edit them easily with QuickBooks Online. 

 

I'll attach this reference as your guide when you encounter an error message about direct deposit limits when processing payroll: Get help if you’re over a direct deposit limit in QuickBooks Payroll.

 

Leave a comment below if you have further questions or concerns about paying your contractors in QuickBooks Online. I'll be sure to get back to you and lend you a hand. Have a great day ahead!

aayush_rmAuthor
April 21, 2024

Thank You for your prompt reply Julia.

However, My doubts are still not cleared, let me explain.

 

For your information, the lead time is next day in my case. The pay date should be same for all the contractors & their pay varies in every pay date.

 

I need to manage payments for over 50 contractors on a biweekly basis, with each contractor receiving a different amount each pay period, some are paid by check and some by Direct Deposit. The pay for all the contractors should be processed every biweekly Monday i.e. on the same date for all of them.

 

My main concern revolves around the process of inputting all the contractors' pay data in advance whenever the data's are available, specifying their payment method (Direct Deposit or check), and saving it. And later process the payment for all the contractors at once on the pay date. Since, it will be a big hassle for me to input all the contractors pay data on the pay date itself, just before it's submission. How can I streamline this workflow effectively?

 

I was using some other payroll software previously where I was able to input the pay data for the contractors whenever required and save it; and later review & process the payroll of all the contractors at once during pay date with ease, I have just shifted to QuickBooks and I am not being able to do this. 

 

Hoping my query gets resolved at the earliest. Thanks.

 

April 21, 2024

Thanks for getting back, @aayush_rm. I appreciate the details!

 

Scheduling direct deposit payments for contractors in QBO is possible by submitting Direct Deposit checks on or before Friday since the paycheck date is Monday.

 

To pay your contractors, follow these steps: 

 

  1. Go to Expenses and select Contractors
  2. Then, click on Pay Contractors
  3. Double-check the Bank account you will be paying from, and choose the Pay date
  4. Select the contractor(s) that you want to pay. 
  5. For the payment method, select Direct deposit
  6. Choose the expense category you use to track contractor payments from the Account dropdown. If you are unsure, consult with your accountant. 
  7. Enter the payment amount, description, and any other relevant payment information. 
  8. Select Preview Contractor Pay, then click on Submit Contractor Pay
  9. Finally, select Done.

 

I've also included an article here that guides you when you encounter an error message about direct deposit limits when processing payroll: Get help if you’re over a direct deposit limit in QuickBooks Payroll.

 

If you need help with paying your contractors in advance on QuickBooks Online, feel free to reach out. Have a great day!