If I paid my employees in 2023 via e-transfer before setting up QB, can I categorize those payments in QB as wages, calculate payroll taxes for them, and issue a T4?

Hello -newpact-co,

Welcome to Community!  QuickBooks Online Payroll is a dynamic way to pay your staff with confidence.  It's essential that prior payroll is entered when setting up your employees, for accurate calculations when running payroll, and creating associated forms.  To properly record the payments made to your staff, you'll need to contact us at 1-855-253-1536 from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 8 PM EST.  Our QuickBooks Online Payroll specialists will be happy to work with you directly and ensure the information is entered accurately, so you can prepare the T4 slips and summary as soon as possible!

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out.  We would be happy to help!