The QB payroll registration key is generated from the Federal Identification number for the company. Therefore the EIN must be entered in the Company setup. Go to Company – Company Information, enter the EIN number. The EIN number must be the same number you used when you registered your payroll product.
Also at this time, on the same, screen enter a valid legal name, address, city, state, and zip for the company. This is used for payroll reporting information.