Use off-cycle payrolls to pay employees outside of their regular pay schedule—such as for bonuses, corrections, or one-off reimbursements.
Off-Cycle Payroll Video Overview
An off-cycle payroll lets you issue a payment separate from your regular payroll cycle. Common examples include:
Bonus or commission payouts
Reimbursements or early payments
Correction of underpayments
Final pay for a terminated employee
Create Off-Cycle Payrolls
Payroll > Create off-cycle payroll in the top right corner
Enter Payroll name, Start date, End date, and Pay date (cannot be in the past)
Optional settings
Use supplemental withholding rate type (Taxes are calculated using flat supplemental rates)
Apply benefits (Includes usual benefit deductions and contributions)
Apply post-tax deductions (Includes any configured post-tax deductions)
Click Create payroll to continue.
Add Employees and Contractors
Click + Add employee or + Add contractor
Enter the amounts each person should be paid.
Submit payroll or Save Draft to return later.
Delete Off-Cycle Payrolls
No longer need your off-cycle payroll? Draft payrolls can be deleted by clicking Delete payroll, located under the ellipsis.
Payroll Corrections
Underpaid or overpaid an employee
If an employee was under or overpaid on a payroll, often the best and most compliant way to correct that scenario is to address the issue on the employee’s next payroll.
If an employee was underpaid: run an off cycle payroll to pay the difference of what they are owed.
If an employee was overpaid: reduce their gross wages on their next payroll by the difference.
If the employee did not have taxes withheld: no action is necessary. The different will be reflected when they do their tax filing at the end of the year.
Federal law permits employers to deduct overpayments from future paychecks, even if it brings employees’ pay below minimum wage. However, state laws vary and it is important to confirm any restrictions or guidelines specified by each state agency. For example, some states may require written consent, or impose limits on when or how much overpayment can be deducted on a future paycheck, or may still enforce minimum wage rules.
When doing this, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they remain compliant with federal and state laws.
Paid an employee by mistake
If you paid an employee or set of employees by mistake, the best course of action is to void those payroll items. Contact Payroll Support for guidance.
Track Off-Cycle Payrolls
Once submitted, off-cycle payrolls appear in your Payroll history tab alongside scheduled payrolls.
They function the same way as regular payrolls and will be visible to employees on their pay stubs.
Notes:
A pay period is always required, even for off-cycle runs.
Off-cycle payrolls offer flexibility—like skipping benefits or using flat-rate tax withholding.
This feature is ideal for one-time payments that shouldn’t be bundled with regular payroll.
Need help?
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Salaris Payroll Support. We’re here to help.