ADP Payroll in Progress Meaning: What It Is and What to Do Next
ADP payroll in progress means your payroll is currently being processed and not yet finalized. Learn what this status means, how long it lasts, and what actions you should take.
PAYROLL PLATFORMS
Abram Pandey
2/2/20262 min read
What Does ADP Payroll in Progress Mean?
ADP payroll in progress means that your payroll has been started but is not yet fully processed or approved. ADP is either:
Waiting for required inputs
Running payroll calculations
Processing submitted payroll data
Awaiting final approval from the employer
During this stage, payroll is not complete, and payments have not yet been released to employees or tax agencies.
Common Reasons Payroll Shows “In Progress”
Several situations can trigger this status:
1. Payroll Has Been Submitted but Not Approved
In many ADP systems, payroll requires a final approval step. If this step is missed, payroll stays in progress.
2. Payroll Is Being Calculated
ADP may be calculating:
Employee wages
Overtime
Deductions
Taxes
Benefits
This usually happens shortly after submission.
3. Missing or Incomplete Information
Payroll may remain in progress if:
Employee hours are missing
New hires were added without full details
Bank or tax information needs verification
4. Payroll Cutoff Time Has Not Passed
If you submitted payroll early, ADP may hold it until the scheduled processing window.
5. System Delays or High Volume
During holidays or peak payroll days, processing may take longer than usual.
How Long Does ADP Payroll Stay in Progress?
In most cases, ADP payroll in progress lasts a few hours to one business day.
However, it can take longer if:
Payroll was submitted late
Errors were detected
Manual review is required
Banking holidays delay processing
If payroll remains in progress beyond 24 hours, it’s a good idea to investigate.
Can Employees Be Paid While Payroll Is in Progress?
No.
While payroll is marked as in progress, payments have not yet been released. Employees will not receive direct deposits or checks until payroll moves to a completed or processed status.
What You Should Do If Payroll Is In Progress
1. Check Approval Status
Log in to your ADP account and confirm that payroll has been fully approved.
2. Review Alerts or Notifications
ADP usually flags missing data or errors that require action.
3. Verify Submission Time
Make sure payroll was submitted before the cutoff time for your pay date.
4. Contact ADP Support
If payroll stays in progress longer than expected, ADP support can:
Identify processing issues
Confirm release timing
Help resolve errors quickly
Is “Payroll in Progress” a Problem?
Not usually.
In most cases, this status simply means payroll is moving through normal processing steps. It only becomes a concern if:
Payday is approaching
The status doesn’t change
Employees are not paid on time
ADP payroll in progress means your payroll is underway but not yet finished. It’s a normal status during payroll processing, especially shortly after submission.
To avoid delays:
Submit payroll early
Double-check approvals
Monitor alerts regularly
When payroll moves from in progress to processed, payments are released and employees get paid as scheduled.
Understanding this status helps you stay ahead of payroll issues and keep trust strong with your team.
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