Hello @Linda143,

Yes, you can change the order of columns to show when creating payroll for your employees. Let me show you how.

1. Go to Employees.
2. Select Payroll Center.
3. Click Start Unscheduled Payroll.
4. Under Enter Payroll Information, select Show/Hide Columns.
5. Remove the default columns first and add them based on your desired order.
6. Click OK.

Learn more about how you can create a paycheck for your employees: How do I create a paycheck to pay an employee?

Additionally, I've also included this helpful article to get a better view of the expenses you made with payroll: Customize payroll and employee reports

If there's anything else that I can help you with, please let me know in the comments below. I'll be here to lend a hand.

Is there a way to include tips as on of the columns.

Hi @dianesp.

For now, we're unable to include the tips on the columns of the Payroll Information window.

When you enter the tips, you will have to click the Open Paycheck Detail button to include it on the Other Payroll Items table. I've added screenshots for visual references.

You can reference this article when creating tips on the payroll item lists: Report tips in and out on employee paychecks in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.

I've also included our Community page to see related articles about payroll like how to troubleshoot grayed out E-file forms or E-Pay buttons: Payroll Reports and Forms.

Please feel free to tag me if there's something you need about adding or creating something in your employee's paycheck. I always look forward to help you more. Stay safe and well!

I have 3 categories, Hostess, Front, & Kitchen - i have tried it multiple ways and it continues to come ot Hostess, Kitchen, Front. 

Thanks for joining this thread, @tmosey,

I want to make sure we can help you with this. When you say you have a couple categories, are these payroll items or classes. I need your confirmation so I can help you further.

Also, if you can send a screenshot of the problem, that'd be much appreciated.

If this preference had worked before and suddenly wouldn't work anymore, please contact our Technical Support directly. Our representatives can check your Intuit account and can help you make necessary updates therein. Here's how to contact us:

1. Go to your QuickBooks Home page, then click the Help menu at the top.
2. Choose QuickBooks Desktop Help from the drop-down.
3. Hit the Contact us icon.
   

I'll be right here if you need further help. Mention me in the comment below so I can help you further.

Here is my sample, there are 5 stores, 5 different QB files.  For some odd reason the columns are all in different order. If I try to move Host between  Front and Kitchen - by  deleting and adding columns back it always comes back in this order.

Thank you for getting back to us and providing us with more details about the concern you're having today, @tmosey. 

You should be able to set the order of columns from the Show/Hide - Enter Payroll Information window. If not, then I suggest running the Verify and rebuild tools. The Verify Data will identify any data issues within your company file. Then, the Rebuild tool will self-resolve it. Check the steps below:

Verify data:

1. Go to File, then Utilities and choose Verify Data.

If it will detect an error, proceed and Rebuild your data:

1. Go back to the File menu and then Utilities and select Rebuild Data.
2. Choose OK if you’ll receive a message to back up your company file.
3. After creating the backup file, the Rebuild Data utility will run automatically.
4. Click OK when you get the message Rebuild has completed.

For detailed guidance, see this article: Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop.

To add or remove columns in your Enter Payroll Information window, check this article: Enter historical payroll data.

Please let me know if you have any other concerns with your payroll columns. I'm always glad to help in any way I can. Have a great rest of the day!

I did as you suggested and deleted columns and then added them back in the order I wanted them to appear.  They automatically revert to the way they were before as I add them.  Is there a step I am missing?

Glad you came here, @HVAC3665.

This feature appears beneficial in your company. Let me explain why they automatically switch to their original form when adding payroll entry.

These columns represent QuickBooks Desktop's default options. After adding a new one, it will revert to its previous state. Every time you want to conceal or display them, you'll have manually enter another column.

I suggest submitting feedback directly to our developers about your concern to help us enhance our product.

Here's how:

1. Hover your mouse over the menu and choose the Help button.
2. Select Send Feedback Online.
3. Then click the Product Suggestion.

Additionally, you can check this site any time to see if our program (desktop and online) updates: QuickBooks Product Updates.

Thanks again for letting us know about this. You can always reach out to us if you need anything else.