Can I print my own payroll checks on blank check stock?

Payroll CheckThe simple answer is yes with a few minor caveats.

You will need to have a dedicated check writing printer or change toner every time that you print checks. Printing checks on blank check stock requires a special magnetic toner, which is used on a laser printer. The toner uses MICR technology, or Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, a standard electronic process that reads sensitive documents like checks. Below, we’ve detailed a few details you should consider before printing your own payroll checks.

How to print your payroll checks

Printing payroll checks is a specific process, but everything will run smoothly once you have your system set up. As we said above, you’ll need to use MICR toner, a special magnetic powder that is machine readable when arranged in a pattern on a check. Specifically, the bank routing number, account number, and check number are printed using the MICR printing process to ensure security.

The quality, line and character placement of MICR printing are required ingredients for check recognition. Special fonts are used and the ink formula in MICR toner is magnetically charged so the check can be electronically read.

What do I need?

When you print payroll checks, you will need a standard laser printer, quality check stock from a reputable company such as Nelco, and a software package that can print your checks in the appropriate format. Check printing software is still among the most popular options for small businesses. This product makes producing a large number of your own MICR checks less expensive and more convenient. That’s where we can help.

How can software help?

Advanced Micro Solutions offers Payroll Software with free, built-in support for printing checks using this special magnetic ink process. Our software can print up to 30 types of checks using MICR technology.

Plus, our software comes with a range of additional payroll-related features. There are a lot of advantages to investing in a payroll software, and printing payroll checks is just one.

  • Federal, state, and local taxes are automatically calculated
  • Includes federal and state tax tables, filing requirements, and SUI forms
  • 40 user defined fields for customized payroll operations
  • Versatile data importing
  • E-file forms 940, 941, and/or 944
  • Certified payroll reports and client letter formatting

We provide a free demo so that you can make sure that our software is a fit for your needs. Support is provided free of charge on Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 6 P central time via email, fax, phone, and chat. We also offer extended hours in January and April, including Saturdays.

Software Solutions from AMS

Our W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer is our only required platform. From there, users pick the services they need. Choose from the tools below to build out your customized accounting software.