What are the initial steps in setting up payroll in QuickBooks?

The initial steps in setting up payroll in QuickBooks involve signing up for a payroll service and then completing the Payroll Setup Interview. This is the correct approach because before you can effectively manage payroll, you need to ensure that you are enrolled in the payroll service that provides the necessary functionality and compliance with tax regulations. The Payroll Setup Interview is a guided process that captures relevant information about your company, such as employee details, pay rates, and tax information. This ensures that QuickBooks can accurately calculate payroll, withhold appropriate taxes, and generate necessary reports.

While setting up payroll schedules and turning on payroll are important components of the process, they follow after signing up for the service and completing the setup interview. This structured approach ensures that all necessary information is gathered and configured properly, laying a solid foundation for effective payroll management.