Overview
The Payroll Settings page allows you to configure essential payroll parameters including tax rates, time zones, expense categories, and pay stub formatting. These settings ensure accurate payroll calculations and proper time tracking for your employees.
Step-by-Step Process
Log in to your CStore Essentials Web Account
Open your browser and go to:
https://www.pdicstoreessentials.com/On the top-right corner, click CSE Login.
Enter your login credentials and click Login to access your account.
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2. Navigate to the Payroll Section
On the left side of the screen, click on the Payroll option
Next click on the Settings button
3. Store's Payroll Settings
Payroll Tax Rates
Required Tax Rate Configuration
Enter the following tax rates based on your state and federal requirements:
Tax Type | Field | Notes |
Social Security | Enter rate as percentage (e.g., 6.25) | Standard federal rate is typically 6.2% |
Medicare | Enter rate as percentage (e.g., 1.4) | Standard federal rate is typically 1.45% |
Federal Unemployment | Enter rate as percentage (e.g., 0.6) | Varies by employer; typically 0.6% - 6.0% |
State Unemployment | Enter rate as percentage (e.g., 3) | Varies by state - check your state regulations |
⚠️ Important: Payroll tax rates must be entered accurately. If you are uncertain about applicable federal or state tax rates, consult a qualified accountant or payroll service provider. Incorrect entries may lead to tax filing errors.
Time Zone Settings
How to Update Your Time Zone
Correct time zone configuration ensures accurate time-stamping for employee clock-ins, clock-outs, payroll calculations and reporting. By default, the system sets the time zone to Central Time, but you can change it to match your store's location.
Steps:
Locate the Time zone dropdown in Payroll Settings
Select your store's time zone from the list
Example:
(GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)
Click Update Settings at the bottom to save
💡 Tip: Verify your time zone is correct by checking the timestamp on a recent employee clock-in record.
Payweek Start Day
Select which day your payroll week begins:
Default Setting: Monday
Available Options: Any day of the week (Monday through Sunday)
Purpose:
Determines how work days are calculated and grouped for paycheck settlement
Establishes the weekly boundary for overtime calculations and time tracking
Aligns payroll cycles with your business operations and scheduling
Automated Pay Period Generation:
After processing your initial paycheck settlement, the system automatically generates all subsequent pay periods
Future pay periods follow the same cycle pattern established by your first payroll run
Eliminates manual date entry for recurring payroll processing
Individual Employee Customization:
Next payroll period start date can be customized for individual employees
Access this setting under each Employee Profile
Useful for new hires, employees with different pay schedules, or mid-period adjustments
Individual settings override the default pay cycle for that specific employee only
💡 Note: Choose your payweek start day carefully—it establishes the foundation for all automated payroll cycles and affects overtime calculations.
Payroll Expense Category
Choose how payroll expenses are categorized in your accounting:
Default: "Payroll" expense category
Customizable: Select an alternative category from dropdown if you use different accounting classifications
This affects how payroll costs appear in financial reports
When to Change:
If your accounting system uses specific expense codes
If you need to separate payroll by department or location
If required by your bookkeeping or tax preparation process
Show Overtime Breakdown on Pay Stub
Control whether printed pay stubs display detailed overtime calculations:
No (Default): Pay stubs show total hours and pay
Yes: Pay stubs break down regular hours vs. overtime hours separately
Recommended for:
States requiring detailed pay stub disclosures
Employees who frequently work overtime
Better transparency in wage calculations
Employee Clock-In Portal
Link for Employee Clock-In
This section provides a secure URL for employees to clock in and out remotely.
How to Set Up Employee Clock-In Access:
Locate the Link for employee clockin text box
The pre-generated URL will appear in this format:
https://secure.cstorepro.com/EmaginePETCOSM/Login_Auto.aspx?
Username=XXXXX&Password=XXXXXTo Copy the Link:
Click on text area
Ctrl+A to select All
Ctrl+C to Copy
* then bookmark the copied link.
this link will be the new portal for your employee to clockIn
Open and Test the Link
Open a new web browser tab on your Computer(Chrome, Firefox, or Edge)
Paste the link into the address bar using Ctrl+V (Windows)
Press Enter to navigate to the page
Verify the employee clock-in portal loads correctly
Bookmark the Portal
Press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac), then click "Done/Save"
For more details on How to Create an Employee Clock In - Clock Out Shortcut, refer link below:
*Click Reset button to generate a new secure link (if needed)
Saving Your Changes
After making any adjustments to payroll settings:
Review all entered values for accuracy
Click the blue Update Settings button at the bottom of the page
⚠️ Changes take effect immediately - ensure all values are correct before saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entering the Social Security Number mandatory when adding employees?
Is entering the Social Security Number mandatory when adding employees?
No, entering the last four digits is optional.
Where do I find the Clock In/Out link?
Where do I find the Clock In/Out link?
The link can be found on the Payroll>Settings page in your PDI C-Store Essentials account.
What should I do if I do not know the correct tax rate?
What should I do if I do not know the correct tax rate?
Consult your accountant or payroll provider to obtain the correct tax rate for your state.
Why is the default time zone set to Central Time?
Why is the default time zone set to Central Time?
The system defaults to Central Time upon store creation.
You can adjust this setting to match your store’s local time zone.
Can I update the time zone after setting it initially?
Can I update the time zone after setting it initially?
Yes, you can update the time zone at any time by following the steps outlined above.
Does changing the time zone affect existing payroll data?
Does changing the time zone affect existing payroll data?
No, updating the time zone only affects payroll moving forward.
Historical payroll data will remain unchanged.