Skip to main content

How Do I Void a Payroll?

Steps and options to void a completed payroll and restore or reschedule items.

Written by Kayla Smith

Overview

This article is for Partners who need to void a processed payroll in isolved. It explains the Void Payroll workflow, all Void options (reschedule, restore transactions, accruals, check numbers, one‑time billing, ACH), how exports are handled, and reporting/notification considerations.

How to void a payroll

Open the Void Payroll screen

  • Navigate to Client Management > Client Utilities > Payroll > Void Payroll

  • Confirm the payroll listed is the correct payroll to void by checking the Run Date, Pay Group, and Payroll Run Number

Note: The Last Payroll Processed fields auto‑populate and cannot be changed.

Review and set Void options

On the Void Payroll screen, set the options required for your scenario. Many options default to checked—change them only when appropriate.

  • Reschedule payroll (default: checked)

    • When checked, the original Run Date is returned to the Payroll Run Schedule so the payroll can be reprocessed using the same dates.

    • If unchecked, no payroll run schedule will exist for those dates.

  • Restore pay transactions (default: checked)

    • When checked, entries originally keyed/imported into Payroll Entry screens are restored so you can correct and reprocess them.

    • If unchecked, restored entries (including manual checks, adjustments, and voids) are not returned. Use this when the entire payroll should not be restored for correction.

Note: If regular checks were pending and you choose Restore Pay Transactions when voiding a regular payroll, the existing pending checks are cleared and the voided checks are restored into pay entry screens.

  • Restore accrual history updates (keyed/imported) (default: checked)

    • When checked, accrual updates are restored for the replacement payroll so corrections or Data Import Undo can be applied before reprocessing.

  • Reset check numbers (default: checked)

    • When checked, new checks issued on reprocessing use the same check numbers as the voided payroll. Available only when checks were written on the client’s bank account. The bank and check number appear for verification.

  • Restore one‑time billing items

    • Check to restore any one‑time billing items that were invoiced on the original payroll so they are billed when the payroll is reprocessed. Voiding sets one‑time billing back to Pending if the payroll is not reprocessed.

  • Restore ACH adjustments

    • Check to restore ACH adjustments included in the original payroll so they are available for reprocessing.

  • Void reason

    • Enter notes about why the payroll is voided (authorizer, error corrected). This appears on Payroll Run History for audit.

Review Payroll Exports and reversal options

  • On the Void Payroll screen review the Payroll Exports section (varies by client services). Examples include Master Tax Daily, Direct Deposit ACH, and New Hire files. Each export shows a Status and may offer a Create Reversal option.

  • Export statuses:

    • Pending: No funds/files were sent; the export has not been pulled by the service bureau

    • Sent: The export file has been pulled by the service bureau

  • If Status = Sent, Create Reversal may be used to reverse ACH or other files

    • Important: Reversals can cause bank overdrafts because banks post reversals when received while ACH posting dates differ. Coordinate banking/operations before creating reversals.

    • For tax files, the Master Tax file may need to be netted versus the original payroll

Tip: When in doubt, contact the service bureau or operations team to confirm reversal procedures before creating reversals.

Void the payroll

  • After selecting options, click Void Payroll

  • Confirm in the pop-up:

    • Cancel: Do not void the payroll

    • OK: Proceed and void the payroll

Other operational considerations

  • Voiding removes all payroll details and voids related invoices. The voided payroll remains visible:

    • Under Reporting > Report Archive as Void

    • In Employee Self‑Service > Pay History (reports show VOID PAYROLL in red)

  • Notify the service bureau production/printing team when voiding:

    • Request they delete original print queue files or

    • Request replacement of the original payroll package with the corrected one

Note: Shred any original physical payroll packages as required

  • If you disabled printing or shipping earlier, confirm delivery/wrap instructions so no unintended print/ship actions occur

Important: Voiding a payroll also voids the invoice for that payroll. Reprocessing is required to reissue billing.

Reporting / troubleshooting / best practices

  • After voiding, verify:

    • The payroll shows Void in Report Archive and Continuous Reports Archive

    • Voided reports display VOID PAYROLL in red when previewed

  • If expected transactions were not restored:

    • Reopen the Void Payroll screen and confirm Restore options were selected before void confirmation

    • Check payroll run schedule to confirm Reschedule payroll behavior

  • If bank or tax exports were Sent:

    • Coordinate with Operations or the service bureau for netting or reversal procedures before creating reversals

  • Best practices:

    • Document the Void Reason and approvals for audit trail

    • Communicate with payroll production and the client before voiding sent exports

    • Use Restore Pay Transactions for targeted corrections; uncheck when a full clear is required

    • Keep screenshots of pre‑void settings to simplify reprocessing

Tip: Train client and ops teams on the implications of Reset check numbers and potential bank coordination needs

FAQs

What happens to invoices when a payroll is voided?

Voiding a payroll voids all payroll invoices for that run. Reprocess the payroll to recreate invoices and billing.

Will voided payroll reports still be visible?

Yes. Voided payroll reports remain in Report Archive and Continuous Reports Archive and are marked VOID PAYROLL in red.

Can I restore all original payroll entries after a void?

Yes—if Restore Pay Transactions is checked. If unchecked, restored entries (manual checks, adjustments, voids) are not returned.

When should I use Create Reversal for ACH or tax exports?

Only after coordinating with Operations and the service bureau. Reversals can cause bank overdrafts and have timing impacts. Confirm netting or reversal procedures before creating reversals.

How do I preserve check numbers for reissued checks?

Keep Reset Check Numbers checked when voiding (available when checks were written on the client’s account). This reuses the original check numbers on reprocessing.


Did this answer your question?