Format guide for printing paper checks

Question

How do I print paper checks and what are the requirements for 7shifts Payroll?

Answer

You can print paper checks by downloading a PDF file from your 7shifts account. Because 7shifts check downloads do not include banking information, you must use customized check stock that already contains your bank details.

What to do

Downloading paper checks

Administrators can download checks immediately after a payroll run is submitted and enters a Pending state. If you reopen a payroll run for edits, you must re-download the checks after resubmitting to ensure the data is accurate.

1. Log in to the 7shifts web app as an Admin.
2. Navigate to Payroll.
3. Select the three vertical dots next to the specific payroll run.
4. Select Download paper checks (PDF).

Check stock requirements

7shifts Payroll supports specific laser-top check formats. Blank check stock will not work because the system does not print your routing or account numbers.

• Use DLT159 (recommended) or DLT104 (backward compatible) check stock.
• Order customized stock through your bank or a service like Deluxe or ChecKeeper.
• The 7shifts download includes the employee name, address, pay date, net pay, and an earnings statement.

Troubleshooting alignment issues

7shifts Payroll is optimized for the DLT159 format. If checks are not aligning correctly with your printer, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your printer settings are set to Default scale.
2. Print a test on a blank sheet of paper and overlay it on your check stock to verify alignment.
3. If you use an unsupported format, you may need to manually adjust printer margins or handwrite the details onto the stock.

Paying employees without check stock

If you do not have customized check stock, you can manually write checks or use an alternative payment method such as cash or a money order. You must use the 7shifts net pay calculations to ensure accuracy.

1. Navigate to Payroll.
2. Select the three vertical dots next to the relevant payroll run and select View Payroll.
3. Locate the Net Pay amount for each employee.
4. Issue the payment through your preferred manual method using that exact amount.

Processing and funds

When you process payroll using paper checks, the timing of fund withdrawals differs between taxes and employee pay.

• 7shifts Payroll withdraws all applicable taxes immediately upon payroll submission.
• Net pay remains in your business bank account until the employee cashes the physical paper check.