> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zeal.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Payroll

> As discussed in our Introduction to Payroll Runs Guide, Zeal's payroll system works differently from some traditional payroll providers.

## In this section

* How to pay W-2 Employees.
* How the white-label represents Payroll Runs.
* How to add Deductions to an Employee Check.
* How to preview payroll.
* How to access reports such as payroll journals.
* What tax requirements are and how to submit them.
* How to pay 1099 Contractors.

## Employee Checks

Employee Checks represent all the information that Zeal needs to process payroll for W-2 employees. Employee Checks hold a lot of important data and configuration such as the `check_date`, `reporting_period`, and `shifts`.

Learn more about [Employee Checks](/docs/employee-checks-guide).

## Payroll Runs

Payroll Runs are an abstraction used in Zeal's white-label UI for a familiar user experience. Payroll Run group Employee Checks together before they are processed to provide easier viewing and editing functionality.

Learn more about [Payroll Runs](/docs/payroll-runs).

## Deductions

Deductions account for additional withholdings such as 401K contributions and garnishments. Individual Deductions are created using Deduction Templates that define the rules to be followed.

Learn more about [Deductions](/docs/deductions-guide).

## Preview Payroll

The option to preview payroll before it begins processing informs many important use cases. Zeal system allows users to view *upcoming* payroll or *hypothetical* payroll.

Learn more about [previewing payroll](/docs/preview-payroll-guide).

## Reports

Zeal offers many great out-of-the-box reports such as payroll journals, labor allocation reports, and worker summary reports. Reporting is an invaluable piece of a payroll system that inform many administrative processes.

Learn more about [Reports](/docs/reports-guide).

## Tax Requirements

Tax requirements are documents that an employer must submit in order for Zeal to properly pay and report taxes on their behalf. Zeal provides a frictionless way for employers to submit Tax Requirements directly to our Tax team.

Learn more about [Tax Requirements](/docs/tax-requirements-guide).

## Contractor Payments

Contractors can be paid with ease given that there are no payroll taxes that need to be withheld. Simply tell us the `amount` and the `pay_date` and Zeal will handle the rest.

Learn more about [Contractor Payments](/docs/contractor-payments-guide).