---
title: "Set up payroll export"
description: "How NestliCare payroll works — approve timesheets, then export a CSV to your payroll processor."
type: setup
updated: 2026-08-13
canonical_url: https://help.nestlicare.com/owners/settings/set-up-payroll-mode
roles: ["super_admin"]
platforms: [web]
---
Once you turn on the **Payroll** feature, approved timesheets flow into payroll runs that you export as a **CSV** and import into your payroll processor. NestliCare doesn't run payroll itself — no tax filing, no direct deposit — your processor keeps doing that part.

## How it works

| Step | Where it happens | Who handles taxes + filings |
|---|---|---|
| Track and approve hours | NestliCare (Timesheets) | — |
| Run payroll and export a CSV | NestliCare (Payroll) | — |
| Import the CSV and pay staff | Your processor (QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, Gusto, …) | Your processor |

## Get set up

1. Make sure **Payroll** is enabled in **Settings → Features** — see [Enable or disable features](/owners/settings/enable-or-disable-features).
2. Go to **Staff & Time → Payroll**, then open its **Settings** tab.

Nothing else to configure. When you run payroll:

1. Approve timesheets for the period.
2. Start a payroll run — see [Export payroll](/owners/staff/export-payroll).
3. Download the CSV.
4. Import into your processor of choice.

Compatible with: QuickBooks Online, ADP Run, Paychex Flex, Gusto, Paylocity, most small-business processors.

## Other payroll settings (API-only for now)

Some fields exist in the API DTO but don't have UI yet. If you need them, email support@nestlicare.com and we'll set them on your org:

- `payroll_defaultFrequency` — weekly, biweekly, or monthly
- `payroll_defaultPayDay` — days after period end
- `payroll_overtimeMultiplier` — default 1.5
- `payroll_overtimeThresholdHours` — default 40
- `payroll_organizationState` — for state-specific overtime rules
- `payroll_ptoHoursPerDay` — how a PTO day converts to hours

## Troubleshooting

**Can't see the Payroll settings.** Payroll feature is off — enable it first under **Settings → Features → Payroll**.

**My processor rejects the CSV with "unknown employee."** The employee ID in the CSV doesn't match your processor's. Set **Staff & Time → Staff → [person] → Employee ID** to match the ID your processor uses.