Note: We're still rolling out the ability to pay outstanding balances and fix bank issues on your own. If you don't see these options in Gusto, follow the steps in your email or on your Home page.
This article helps admins fix common issues that block payroll from running in Gusto.
Primary admins need the right permissions to see and fix payroll blockers on their Home page and in emails. You can fix most issues directly in Gusto, but you must resolve them before you can run payroll again.
Gusto may block payroll for these reasons:
Gusto needs more info or documents.
A bank error or failed debit. This could be:
An outstanding balance after a failed debit
A bank authorization problem
A required form the signatory hasn't signed
Pick your payroll blocker below to see what to do next.
Sometimes Gusto needs more business details to keep your account secure and compliant. Upload the requested documents quickly so payroll stays on track.
On your Home page, click Provide More Info to Run Payroll On Time.
Follow the on-screen steps to upload your documents.
Try these steps before contacting us:
If you see a to-do on your Home page about an outstanding balance, Gusto paid your team but couldn't pull the funds because your account had insufficient funds. You must pay the balance before you can run payroll again.
Bank error codes: R01, R09
Debit failure fee: Gusto charges $100 per day for each failed debit. This applies to faster payrolls (employees) and contractor payments only—not bank verification issues or invoice failures. See our Terms of Service.
On your Home page, click Payroll is blocked: Pay outstanding balance (or go to Pay).
Review the failed transactions. You can pay one or all at once.
Choose a payment method:
Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit: Takes a few business days. Choose a verified bank account, then click Continue.
Wire transfer: Fastest option. Gusto charges a $5 fee, plus your bank may charge its own fee.
For wire transfers:
Download the PDF with Gusto's wire details and give it to your bank.
Send the exact amount shown—Gusto can't act until it receives the wire.
Wires are usually fast, but Gusto can't guarantee same-day receipt.
Wire requirements:
The amount you send must match the instructions exactly.
Your bank account must be based in the US.
You must be authorized to use the account for your company.
Click Submit to confirm. Check the status in Pay history.
If Gusto isn't authorized to debit your bank account, the debit will fail and you must fix the issue. In most cases, Gusto still pays your team as planned.*
Bank error codes: R05, R06, R07, R08, R10, R16, R29, R31, R74
Debit failure fee: Gusto charges $100 per day for each failed debit. This applies to faster payrolls (employees) and contractor payments only—not bank verification issues or invoice failures. See our Terms of Service.
First, check your email for details about the bank error and the exact steps to fix it.
On your Home page, click Payroll is blocked: Resolve banking issues (or go to Pay).
Review the failed transactions. You can pay one or all at once.
Choose whether to use your existing account or add a new one.
If you keep the same account: Gusto needs to verify it's authorized to debit the account before using it again.
Contact your bank to authorize Gusto. If your bank asks for authorization codes, share the codes listed in Gusto.
When done, check the box in Gusto to confirm.
Gusto will send two small test debits (about $2 total). These take a few business days to clear. Make sure you have at least $2 in your account to avoid overdraft fees.
After the test debits clear, pay the outstanding balance with a wire transfer. You must use a wire transfer because the bank isn't re-verified for ACH until the test debits clear.
If you add a new account: Choose how to verify your new bank account.
Instant verification with Plaid: Once verified, pay the outstanding balance by Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit or wire transfer (fastest).
Manual verification with two test transactions (2–3 business days): Gusto sends two small amounts to your account. When they appear, go back to Gusto and confirm the amounts. Then pay the outstanding balance with a wire transfer. The bank is not verified for ACH until the test transactions clear.
If your old account was the default, set a new default bank account in Gusto.
*Important exceptions:
Employee payrolls: Some payrolls may be canceled. After you fix the bank issue, re-run them if your team still needs to be paid.
Contractor payments: Payments may switch to paper checks (no direct deposit). Deliver checks on time.
Gusto paid your team, but payroll is now blocked because the bank account was closed, you entered wrong account details, or your bank made changes. Gusto has deactivated this bank account. You must pay the outstanding balance before you can run payroll again.
Bank error codes: R02, R03, R04, R12, R13, R15, R20, R34
Debit failure fee: Gusto charges $100 per day for each failed debit. This applies to faster payrolls (employees) and contractor payments only—not bank verification issues or invoice failures. See our Terms of Service.
On your Home page, click Payroll is blocked: Resolve banking issues (or go to Pay).
Review the failed transactions. You may need to:
Add a new bank account (if you only had one in Gusto).
Set a new default bank account.
Pay the balance by Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit or wire transfer.
Choose whether to add a new account or use an existing one.
If you add a new account: Choose how to verify your new bank account.
Instant verification with Plaid: Once verified, pay the outstanding balance by ACH debit or wire transfer (fastest).
Manual verification with two test transactions (2–3 business days): Gusto sends two small amounts to your account. When they appear, go back to Gusto and confirm the amounts. Then pay the outstanding balance with a wire transfer.
If you use an existing account: Since Gusto deactivated the old default, you need to set a new default account.
Choose a payment method:
ACH debit: Takes a few business days. Choose a verified bank, then click Continue.
Wire transfer: Fastest option. Gusto charges a $5 fee, plus your bank may charge its own fee.
For wire transfers:
Download the PDF with Gusto's wire details and give it to your bank.
Send the exact amount shown. Gusto can't act until it receives the wire.
Wires are usually fast, but Gusto can't guarantee same-day receipt.
Wire requirements:
The amount you send must match the instructions exactly.
Your bank account must be based in the US.
You must be authorized to use the account for your company.
Click Submit to confirm. Check the status in Pay history.
Payroll may be blocked if there's a tax filing or payment problem.
Payroll is blocked because the company signatory hasn't signed a required form. The signatory must complete this step—admins can't sign on their behalf.
How to sign required forms:
Have the signatory sign in to Gusto.
Review and sign any required forms listed on the Home page.
To contact us, sign in to your Gusto account and click the help icon in the top-right corner of the page.