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February 12, 2019
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When I import my iif payroll data, it is assigning check numbers. How can I get it to not do that?

  • February 12, 2019
  • 5 replies
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When I import my iif payroll data, it is assigning check numbers. How can I get it to not do that?

Best answer by

I'll bet you're using QB 2019, with it's new and rather terrible import changes.

 

If so, you can work around most all of the many new import bugs using our recommendations here:

BRC QuickBooks 2019 IIF Import Changes and Recommendations

 

5 replies

Answer
February 12, 2019

I'll bet you're using QB 2019, with it's new and rather terrible import changes.

 

If so, you can work around most all of the many new import bugs using our recommendations here:

BRC QuickBooks 2019 IIF Import Changes and Recommendations

 

May 2, 2019

Thank you!!!  I thought I was losing my mind.  QB2019 has some bugs for sure!

May 13, 2019

I am importing a check file that DOES have check numbers assigned already but in the new 2019 version it drops the number and loads without a check number on the check.  I then have to manually open each check and add the number back.  How do I get the number I am assigning it in the load file to load?  Has the check number column header changed?

January 6, 2020

Same issue here. Very frustrating!! It never assigned check numbers before and it is a pain to have to go in and change each on manually for every import! Why QB's has not come up with an easy solution to this is mind boggling! :(

BigRedConsulting
January 6, 2020

Yes, it's one of the many new bugs you'll experience when importing the "improved" way. Our customers are seeing the same thing.

 

If you follow our recommendations you can still use the old, reliable method. 

See BRC QuickBooks 2019 & 2020 IIF Import Changes and Recommendations 

January 17, 2020

I do not see how this was solved. Please advise.

MaryLurleenM
January 17, 2020

Thank you for informing us, LosingTime.

 

I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Desktop support to check this further since none of the provided solutions above worked for you. They will be able to review your account and provide alternatives.

 

Here's how:

  1. Click Help from the menu.
  2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  3. Click Contact us.

 

 

You can always post here in the Community if you have other questions.

September 3, 2020

I have not been able to find an IIF format for payroll data. Can you share that with me?

 

Thanks.

LieraMarie_A
September 3, 2020

Let me give you some insights about importing files in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Payroll, @Vivianalv.

 

Currently, the option to import payroll data is unavailable. In QBDT, we can only import IIF files like your bank transactions, journal entries, and more. You can also import lists like your customer, vendor, and employee lists. As a workaround, you may consider using a third-party application to import payroll transactions. Just head to the Apps for QuickBooks Desktop website and search for a keyword.

 

I'd also like to let you know that our developers are constantly uncovering and considering new ways to improve the program. To be updated with our latest news and enhancements, you can visit our QuickBooks Online Blog site.

 

Please let me know if you need further assistance. I'm always around to help.

January 10, 2023

I'm having the same issue for a few years now. Gah.

WOW. Someone PLEASE escalate this issue. I feel like we are all talking with a chatbot. (and not a very good reader at that) I'll restate the problem we are all having: 

Is there a way to have QB Desktop leave the check number blank for imported payroll checks?

Our payroll checks are all Direct Deposited, and show "DD" in the QB online payroll system, but that info is not passed to QB Desktop when exported payroll data is imported. I have to manually edit the number for each check (set to blank, or ACH, etc), so that the next check printed remains in the right sequence and there are no duplicated check numbers in the register.

It is clear that there is a problem with how QB desktop handles imported checks without check numbers. This should be a preference that is adjustable, or the check number field should be left blank until that check is printed. Not a hard fix. I dealt with this for YEARS before I thought to look here. I'm certain there are thousands of users like me who are incrementally annoyed by this bug. after enough bugs - we look for a better product.

THIS SHOULD BE ON THE TOP OF THE LIST OF BUGS TO FIX WITH THE NEXT UPDATE.

All imported Payroll "checks" are assigned check numbers. All are Direct Deposited so this screws up the check sequence and creates duplicates.

January 10, 2023

Hello there, @PPSKC.

 

I am aware of the benefits for businesses like yours. Like you, I want this feature to be in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

 

But QBDT is still unable to get to it. However, I encourage you to engage with our software engineers about your ideas. They pay close attention to customer feedback, especially to make QuickBooks better.

 

Follow the steps below:

 

  1. Go to the Help option.
  2. Select the Send Feedback Online option.
  3. Choose the Product Suggestion option. A pop-up window displays.
  4. Enter your feedback suggestion.
  5. Click the Send Feedback button. Feedback sent.

 

I found helpful articles for more details about the tasks you can do with iif files: 

 

Let me know if you need further assistance working with QuickBooks. I’m always here to help. Have a good one!

March 19, 2023

Hi Ethal from Intuit,
You seem unaware this worked fine in QBDT until the 2019 or 2020 version of QBDT, at which point Intuit broke it. It's been three years now with multiple complaints, including from accountant users like myself who may have to deal with this in dozens of client files...

The way around it is to click the "I'll import it myself" option when bringing in IIF files, and ignore whatever dire warning QBDT throws onto the screen. That WILL bring in the transactions without erroneously assigning check numbers to direct deposits and tax payments.

And the way for Intuit's engineers to fix it, is to assign "DD" to the check reference field for direct deposit payroll entries when creating the IIF file, and "ACH" to the tax payments. Pretty easy-peasy so I really wonder why they haven't done that yet.