How to Use Enhanced Payroll Services with QuickBooks Enterprise Desktop

Accounting software isn’t just about balancing books; it also plays a key role in managing payroll. With QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll, you can streamline the entire process of paying employees and handling tax-related tasks directly within QuickBooks Desktop.

With this subscription, you can:

• Create unlimited paychecks for employees.
• File and pay payroll taxes accurately and on time.
• Generate and print W-2 forms with just a few clicks.

By enabling Enhanced Payroll, you save time, reduce errors, and eliminate the stress of manual payroll tasks. It’s an all-in-one solution that keeps your payroll compliant and efficient so you can focus more on growing your business and less on paperwork.

Currently, there are three kinds of payroll subscriptions available on QuickBooks Desktop Software.

• Basic
• Enhanced
• Assisted payroll

QuickBooks Enterprise Basic Payroll

QuickBooks Enterprise Basic Payroll is the entry-level payroll option available within QuickBooks Desktop. It’s designed for businesses that need simple payroll processing without advanced compliance features.

With this plan, you can:

• Stay updated with the latest payroll tax rate changes.
• Create and print paychecks directly from QuickBooks.
• Pay employees conveniently using direct deposit.

However, unlike the Enhanced Payroll plan, this option does not include Federal or State tax forms (such as 941, W-2, or other filings).

Note: If you’re unsure whether Basic Payroll is the right fit for your business, or if you’d like expert guidance on available features, connect with our QuickBooks Enterprise Support Team at accountspro.co.

QuickBooks Enterprise Enhanced Payroll

QuickBooks Enterprise Enhanced Payroll builds on the Basic plan by giving you everything included there, plus powerful tax compliance tools. With Enhanced Payroll, you don’t just run payroll; you also simplify your tax filing process at both the federal and state levels.

Enhanced lets you do everything that it does. In addition, you will also be able to use:

• Federal Forms
• State Forms
• E-File and E-pay

Let us now take a look at each of these extra features that you can use on the enhanced subscription plan.

1. Federal Forms
QuickBooks automatically fills in important federal forms such as 94x forms, W-2s, 1099/1096 forms, and more. You can review, print, and mail them directly to federal agencies, saving time and reducing errors.

2. State Forms
Stay compliant with your state’s tax regulations effortlessly. QuickBooks Desktop auto-fills your state tax forms so you can file them quickly without manual calculations.

3. E-file and E-pay
Take the hassle out of tax filing and payments. With just a few clicks, you can:

• E-File your federal and state forms electronically (no need to print and mail).
• E-Pay your taxes directly from QuickBooks, ensuring on-time payments.
• Schedule payments at no extra cost (availability depends on your state).

If you want more than just payroll processing, like automated tax form preparation, e-filing, and e-payments, Enhanced Payroll is the better choice over Basic Payroll.

Note: Need help choosing between Basic and Enhanced Payroll? Our QuickBooks Enterprise Support Team at accountspro.co can guide you to the right plan for your business.

QuickBooks Enterprise with Assisted Payroll

QuickBooks Enterprise with Assisted Payroll is a premium service designed to take the stress out of payroll and tax management. With this subscription, certified payroll professionals handle everything for you so you can focus on running your business instead of worrying about calculations, filings, and deadlines.

Key Benefits of Assisted Payroll:

• Full-Service Tax Handling – All your federal, state, and local payroll taxes are filed accurately and on time.
• Error-Free Guarantee – If there’s ever a tax filing error, QuickBooks covers any penalties (terms apply).
• Hands-Free Payroll – Professionals manage the entire process, from paycheck creation to compliance.

How to Check Which Payroll Plan You’re Using

If you’re unsure whether you have Assisted Payroll (or another payroll subscription) enabled:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• Go to the Employees menu.
• Select My Payroll Service > Manage Service Key.
• Look for your active plan in the Service Name List.

QuickBooks Enterprise Payroll Plans – Comparison

Feature	Basic Payroll	Enhanced Payroll	Assisted Payroll
Payroll Updates	✔	✔	✔
Create Paychecks	✔	✔	✔
Direct Deposit for Employees	✔	✔	✔
Federal Tax Forms (W-2, 94x, 1099, etc.)	✘	✔	✔ (handled for you)
State Tax Forms	✘	✔	✔ (handled for you)
E-File & E-Pay Taxes	✘	✔	✔ (professionals manage it)
Full-Service Tax Filing	✘	✘	✔ (all federal, state, and local taxes filed for you)
Error-Free Guarantee	✘	✘	✔ (QuickBooks covers penalties if they make an error)
Who Handles Payroll	You manage it manually	You manage payroll + tax filings	QuickBooks Payroll Experts handle everything
Best For	Small businesses that need only a paycheck and deposit features	Businesses that want DIY payroll + tax compliance tools	Businesses that want payroll and taxes fully managed by professionals

Conclusion

QuickBooks Enterprise Enhanced Payroll empowers businesses to manage payroll efficiently with features like unlimited paychecks, automatic tax filing, direct deposit, and W-2/1099 generation. By combining payroll with QuickBooks Enterprise, companies gain a seamless solution that saves time, reduces errors, and ensures compliance with tax regulations. AccountsPro Experts’ support ensures smooth setup and uninterrupted payroll operations.

Frequently Asked Questions