The changes, improvements and fixes elaborated below were included in this release for QuickBooks Pro 2019, QuickBooks Premier 2019, QuickBooks Accountant 2019 and QuickBooks Enterprise v19.0. Be aware that each new update also includes all the changes from earlier updates. If you have automatic updates turned on, QuickBooks will download the updates for you and prompt you to install it. You can manually download the update from the Official Intuit QuickBooks Downloads and Updates Webpage (product/version specific).
Depending on the order in which you read Insightful Accountant features (or headlines) you may think you are reading a 'repeat' of another article... since the release update for 2018 covers much the same technical content as this update for 2019.
So, what's this one all about? Well, in a nutshell: Payroll compliance (too). You obviously are probably aware that the W-4 form was changed for 2020, and Intuit almost always has to issue a 'programming' release to the core product to support the needed payroll update required to match the federal form changes. This is that update for the 2019 core product.
The official release notes address the changes, improvements and fixes in this manner:
US Federal W-4 2020
- QuickBooks Payroll now supports the new 2020 W-4 as well as continuing to support the 2019 and prior W-4.
Payroll Reports
- You can now generate reports for State Mandated Retirement deductions for Oregon, Illinois and California.
US Payroll Compliance
- Payroll has been updated to ensure continued compliance with United States payroll tax laws.
Simplify Install
- The install experience has been updated to be easier and more stable.
Payroll Status for Direct Deposit
- View the detailed status of direct deposit payroll without have to check emails or call CARE
Direct-deposit_Payroll-status
Bug Fixes
- Fixed an issue that caused the warning message "Items not assigned classes" to not display while saving a reimbursable invoice.
- Fixed an unintended warning to some users when opening the Employee center
Should You Update?
Well, this is always a question, but if you are going to need to deal with the new W-4 forms then you are probably going to be required to update to this newest release in order to do so. You may want to hold off a week or so to see if any adverse findings are reported, but beyond that you really will have little time to otherwise evaluate the safety of this release.