A payroll register is a detailed, multi-column report that provides a snapshot of employee wage data for each payroll cycle. It captures important compensation information for every employee, including gross pay, deductions, and the final net amount disbursed.
Understanding the Role of a Payroll Register
Payroll registers are typically built into most modern payroll systems, such as those offered by Beyond. Depending on the platform, these registers can range from simple summary tables to highly customizable reports that offer itemized insights for each payroll entry.
Unlike a payroll journal, which focuses on accounting entries for wages, a payroll register dives deeper into employee-level data.
What Does a Payroll Register Include?
A comprehensive payroll register records a variety of key details for each employee, such as:
- Start and end dates of the pay period
- Pay date
- Regular and overtime hours worked
- Gross earnings
- Employee tax withholdings
- Employer-paid taxes
- Benefit deductions (health insurance, retirement, etc.)
- Employer contributions to benefits
- Net pay after all deductions
- Payment method (e.g., direct deposit or check)
Payroll registers are critical for internal audits, tax reporting, and keeping accurate payroll records. By maintaining clear documentation with the help of tools like Beyond, businesses can ensure transparency, accuracy, and compliance across every payroll cycle.