Paying a Bonus
Adding a bonus to an employee’s paycheck is simple. Bonuses can be included in a regular pay run or processed as a special pay run. If you’re paying a year-end bonus, review all details to ensure a smooth process.
Pay Run Settings
If this bonus is part of a special pay run, you may want to:
- Hold voluntary deductions (such as retirement or health contributions).
- Switch from direct deposit to paper checks if preferred.
To hold deductions:
- Click the pay run details menu in the upper right.
- Check the last box under Additional Options to hold voluntary deductions.
Paying Bonuses as Paper Checks
- Bonus checks are subject to tax withholding.
- If you issue flat bonus checks without withholding taxes, you must gross up wages so taxes are still accounted for in Beyond and reflected in payroll costs and filings.
Selecting Employees
Choose which employees should receive a bonus. You can apply to all or only selected workers.
Adding a Bonus Pay Row
If the employee doesn’t already have a bonus pay type:
- Click Add/Order Pay Rows.
- Click Add Row.
- Select Choose Pay Item, then select the bonus pay item.
- Unless a recurring amount is entered, no bonus amount is automatically added.
- Only the bonus pay type is assigned to the employee.
Don’t see the pay item? [Learn about adding new pay items →]
Click Done when finished. You may add multiple rows if needed.
Pay Types and Recurring Amounts
- Without Recurring Amount
- Allows you to add a bonus during any pay run.
- Enter an amount when processing payroll.
- If left blank, no bonus is paid.
- With Recurring Amount
- Sets a fixed bonus that can be toggled on/off per pay run.
- Useful for scheduled or consistent bonus payments.
Holding or Overriding Deductions and Withholdings
Open More to:
- Hold or override voluntary deductions.
- Adjust or override federal/state taxes and withholdings.
- Add a memo line to paper checks (e.g., “Holiday Bonus – Thank You!”).
Note: Involuntary deductions (garnishments, levies) cannot be held or overridden.
Final Review
After entering hours, wages, and bonus amounts:
- Click Next.
- Review payroll details before submitting.
Need Help?
If you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team will be happy to provide answers and assist you in any way we can.