ADP Payroll Submitted Meaning: What Happens After You Submit Payroll
ADP payroll submitted means your payroll data has been sent for processing but is not yet completed. Learn what this status means, how long it lasts, and what to expect next.
PAYROLL PLATFORMS
Abram Pandey
2/2/20262 min read
What Does ADP Payroll Submitted Mean?
ADP payroll submitted means that the employer has successfully sent payroll data to ADP for processing.
At this stage:
Payroll information has been entered
Payroll has been submitted to ADP’s system
Calculations and validations are about to begin
Payments have not yet been released
In simple terms, submission starts the payroll process, but payroll is not finished yet.
What Happens After Payroll Is Submitted?
Once payroll is submitted, ADP begins several automated and manual steps:
1. Payroll Calculations
ADP calculates:
Gross wages
Overtime and bonuses
Taxes
Benefits and deductions
Net pay for each employee
2. Validation and Error Checks
The system checks for:
Missing employee data
Incorrect bank information
Tax compliance issues
Unusual pay changes
If issues are found, payroll may pause until corrections are made.
3. Approval (If Required)
Some ADP setups require a final approval step. If approval is pending, payroll may remain in submitted or in-progress status.
4. Payment Scheduling
Once approved, ADP schedules:
Direct deposits
Paychecks
Tax payments
Is Payroll Submitted the Same as Payroll Processed?
No.
Here’s the difference:
Payroll Submitted: Data has been sent to ADP, processing has started
Payroll Processed: Payroll is complete and payments are scheduled or released
Employees are not paid at the submitted stage.
How Long Does Payroll Stay in Submitted Status?
In most cases, payroll stays in submitted status for a few hours to one business day.
It may take longer if:
Payroll was submitted after the cutoff time
Errors require review
Manual approval is needed
A holiday delays processing
If payroll remains submitted for more than 24 hours, follow up is recommended.
Can You Edit Payroll After Submission?
It depends on the processing stage:
If payroll is submitted but not processed, edits may still be possible
Once payroll is processed or locked, changes usually require an adjustment or off-cycle payroll
Always check your ADP dashboard or contact ADP support before making changes.
What Should You Do After Submitting Payroll?
1. Watch for Status Updates
Payroll should move from submitted → in progress → processed.
2. Review Payroll Reports
Confirm totals, deductions, and employee pay amounts.
3. Confirm Pay Date
Make sure the scheduled pay date matches your payroll calendar.
4. Act Quickly on Alerts
Resolve any ADP notifications immediately to avoid delays.
Is “Payroll Submitted” a Problem?
Not at all.
This status usually means payroll is moving forward normally. It only becomes a concern if:
Payday is approaching
The status does not change
Employees are not paid on time
ADP payroll submitted simply means payroll has been sent to ADP and is now being processed. It is a normal and necessary step before payroll is completed.
As long as payroll was submitted on time and no errors occur, payments will be released as scheduled.
Understanding this status helps you manage payroll confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.
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