The Best Payroll Software For Small Businesses
Find the best payroll software for your business, from affordable payroll tools to full-service payroll, HR, and global payroll platforms.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Expert Contributor
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
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If you’re in the market for small business payroll software, we’re here to help you narrow down the choices and find the best payroll software option for your business’s needs and budget.
Learn what to look for in a good payroll software company, how much it’ll cost you, and more in our complete guide to the best payroll software.
Learn More About Our Top Picks
| Company | Summary | Next StepsSummary |
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Gusto
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ADP Payroll
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Paychex
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Paylocity
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Paycor
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Square Payroll
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OnPay
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QuickBooks Workforce
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Show Deal |
Payroll4Free
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Patriot Payroll
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Wave Payroll
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Rippling
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Homebase
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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.
Table of Contents [hide][show]
- The Best Payroll Software For Small Businesses
- Gusto: Best overall payroll software
- ADP Payroll: Best all-in-one HR and payroll software
- Paychex: Best payroll software for growing businesses
- Paylocity: Best payroll software for employee experience
- Paycor: Best all-in-one HCM and payroll software
- Square Payroll: Easiest payroll software
- OnPay: Best affordable payroll software
- QuickBooks Workforce: Best payroll software for QuickBooks users
- Payroll4Free: Best free payroll software
- Patriot Payroll: Best for affordable payroll tax management
- Wave Payroll: Best payroll software with free accounting
- Rippling: Best international payroll software
- Homebase: Best payroll for hourly employees
- Search For The Best Payroll Software By Industry
- What Is Payroll Software?
- How Does Small Business Payroll Software Work?
- Do I Need Payroll Software For My Small Business?
- How Much Should You Expect To Pay For Payroll Software?
- How To Choose A Good Payroll Software Company
- The Bottom Line On Choosing The Right Payroll Software For Your Business
Table of Contents
- The Best Payroll Software For Small Businesses
- The Best Small Business Payroll Software Compared
- Gusto: Best overall payroll software
- Gusto
- Gusto Pricing
- Gusto Features
- ADP Payroll: Best all-in-one HR and payroll software
- ADP Payroll
- ADP Pricing
- ADP Features
- Paychex: Best payroll software for growing businesses
- Paychex
- Paychex Pricing
- Paychex Features
- Paylocity: Best payroll software for employee experience
- Paylocity
- Paylocity Pricing
- Paylocity Features
- Paycor: Best all-in-one HCM and payroll software
- Paycor
- Paycor Pricing
- Paycor Features
- Square Payroll: Easiest payroll software
- Square Payroll
- Square Payroll Pricing
- Square Payroll Features
- OnPay: Best affordable payroll software
- OnPay
- OnPay Pricing
- OnPay Features
- QuickBooks Workforce: Best payroll software for QuickBooks users
- QuickBooks Workforce
- QuickBooks Workforce Pricing
- QuickBooks Workforce Features
- Payroll4Free: Best free payroll software
- Payroll4Free
- Payroll4Free Pricing
- Payroll4Free Features
- Patriot Payroll: Best for affordable payroll tax management
- Patriot Payroll
- Patriot Pricing
- Patriot Features
- Wave Payroll: Best payroll software with free accounting
- Wave Payroll
- Wave Payroll Pricing
- Wave Payroll Features
- Rippling: Best international payroll software
- Rippling
- Rippling Pricing
- Rippling Features
- Homebase: Best payroll for hourly employees
- Homebase
- Homebase Pricing
- Homebase Features
- Methodology
- Search For The Best Payroll Software By Industry
- What Is Payroll Software?
- How Does Small Business Payroll Software Work?
- Do I Need Payroll Software For My Small Business?
- How Much Should You Expect To Pay For Payroll Software?
- How To Choose A Good Payroll Software Company
- The Bottom Line On Choosing The Right Payroll Software For Your Business
The Best Payroll Software For Small Businesses
The best payroll software systems for small businesses support essential payroll features, offer time tracking, and support employee portals in an easy-to-use and affordable manner — and only a handful made the cut. Here are the best business payroll software options worth looking into.
- Gusto: Best overall payroll software
- ADP Payroll: Best all-in-one HR and payroll software
- Paychex: Best payroll software for growing businesses
- Paylocity: Best payroll software for employee experience
- Paycor: Best all-in-one HCM and payroll software
- Square Payroll: Easiest payroll software
- OnPay: Best affordable payroll software
- QuickBooks Workforce: Best payroll software for QuickBooks users
- Payroll4Free: Best free payroll software
- Patriot Payroll: Best for affordable payroll tax management
- Wave Payroll: Best payroll software with free accounting
- Rippling: Best international payroll software
- Homebase: Best payroll for hourly employees
The Best Small Business Payroll Software Compared
| Price | Business Size | Time Tracking | HR | Mobile App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto | $49/month + $6/person - $180/month + $22/month per person | Small-medium sized businesses with up to 650+ users | Plus Plan only | ||
| ADP Payroll | Custom | Small to enterprise-sized businesses with 1,000+ employees | |||
| Paychex | Custom | Self-employed contractors to enterprises with 1,000+ employees | |||
| Paylocity | Custom | Small to enterprise-sized with 1,000+ users | |||
| Paycor | Custom | Small to large businesses with 1,000+ users | Available as an add-on | ||
| Square Payroll | $6/contractor or $35/month + $6/per employee | Small to large businesses paying 1+ workers | |||
| OnPay | $49/month + $6/month per person | Small to mid-sized businesses (1-500 employees) | |||
| QuickBooks Workforce | $50/month + $6.50/per person - $203/month + $10/per person | Small to medium-sized businesses | |||
| Payroll4Free | $0/month for 9 employees | Small businesses with up to 9 employees (additional employees add monthly costs) | |||
| Patriot Payroll | $17/month +$4/month per person - $37/month + $5/month per person | Small to mid-sized businesses with up to 500 employees | |||
| Wave Payroll | $40/month + $6/employee | Small businesses | |||
| Rippling | Custom | Small businesses to enterprises | |||
| Homebase | $0/month | Small to large businesses with 1+ employees |
Gusto: Best overall payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
Next day-4 daysPricing Range
$49/month + $6/person - $180/month + $22/month per personBusiness Size
Small-medium sized businesses with up to 650+ usersPros
- Generous features and add-on options
- Modern interface
- Great tax support on all plans
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited reporting
- Next-day direct deposit & built-in time tracking unavailable on cheapest plan
Why We Chose Gusto
Gusto is our best overall payroll software pick because it gives most small and midsize businesses the right mix of payroll, tax support, HR tools, benefits administration, ease of use, and transparent pricing. It’s powerful enough to handle common payroll needs, but not so complex that smaller teams need a dedicated payroll department to use it.
Gusto also gives businesses room to grow. Its higher-tier plans add tools such as multistate payroll, time tracking, PTO management, performance tools, custom reports, and access to HR experts. For businesses that want payroll software that can handle the basics now and support more HR needs later, Gusto is one of the strongest all-around options.
When To Choose Gusto
- You want payroll software that gives you the most bang for your buck in terms of features
- You need excellent employee management and built-in HR features
- You want payroll software that is easy for you and employees to use
ADP Payroll: Best all-in-one HR and payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
2-5 daysPricing Range
Custom pricingBusiness Size
Small to enterprise-sized businesses with 1,000+ employeesPros
- Excellent reporting options
- Guided payroll runs for beginners
- Scalable payroll software
- Solid HR tools
Cons
- Many added fees
- Nontransparent pricing
- Garnishments only available on higher plan tier
Why We Chose ADP
ADP is the best all-in-one HR and payroll software for businesses that want more than a paycheck processor. It combines payroll, tax filing, employee self-service, hiring tools, onboarding, HR support, benefits options, reporting, and workforce management features across its small-business and larger-business packages.
The biggest reason ADP stands out is how much room it gives businesses to build around payroll. A company can start with RUN Powered by ADP for core payroll and HR tools, then move toward more advanced support through higher-tier RUN packages, ADP Workforce Now, or ADP’s broader HR and PEO services.
When To Choose ADP
- You need payroll software with an extensive feature set
- You want built-in benefits administration, time tracking, and HR features
- You want scalable payroll software
- You want a strong payroll mobile app
Paychex: Best payroll software for growing businesses
Payroll Processing Time
2 days (can pay for faster processing times)Pricing Range
$39/month + $5/employee or custom pricingBusiness Size
Self-employed contractors to enterprises with 1,000+ employeesPros
- Easy to use
- Good customer support
- Built-in HR and onboarding
- Numerous integrations
Cons
- Extra fees
- Non-transparent pricing
- Tax support complaints
Why We Chose Paychex
Paychex is a strong payroll software option for growing businesses because it gives companies room to add more HR, benefits, compliance, and support services over time. Paychex Flex supports payroll, tax administration, employee management, time and attendance, benefits, retirement, business insurance, and HR services, making it more scalable than basic payroll-only software.
That flexibility is what makes Paychex a good fit for growing businesses. A small business can start with payroll and add services as its workforce becomes more complex. Paychex may not be the cheapest option, and businesses need to request a quote for exact pricing, but it’s a strong choice for businesses that want payroll software they won’t quickly outgrow.
When To Choose Paychex
- You need payroll software with the employee management and feature set to grow with your business
- You need extensive payroll, HR, and time tracking features
- You value customer support and ease of use
- You want optional PEO services
Paylocity: Best payroll software for employee experience
Payroll Processing Time
As soon as next-dayPricing Range
Quote-basedBusiness Size
Small to enterprise-sized with 1,000+ usersPros
- Strong employee self-service tools
- Employee communication and recognition features
- Payroll connects with time, scheduling, and HR tools
- Modern mobile experience for employees and managers
Cons
- Not the cheapest option for basic payroll
- Non-transparent pricing
Why We Chose Paylocity
Paylocity is a strong payroll software option for businesses that want payroll to connect more directly with the employee experience. In addition to payroll processing and tax support, Paylocity offers employee self-service, mobile access, onboarding, time tracking, scheduling, expenses, employee communication, recognition, and engagement tools.
That makes Paylocity a good fit for businesses that want employees to do more from one system, such as view paychecks, request time off, complete onboarding tasks, check schedules, submit expenses, clock in and out, manage timecards, and stay connected through workplace communication tools.
When To Choose Paylocity
- You want payroll software with strong employee self-service and mobile tools
- You need payroll, time tracking, scheduling, and HR tools in one platform
- You want employee engagement features, such as communication, recognition, and workplace community tools
Paycor: Best all-in-one HCM and payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
Same-day - 4 daysPricing Range
Custom pricingBusiness Size
Small to large businesses with 1,000+ usersPros
- Easy to use
- Advanced payroll features
- HR guidance from certified professionals
- Highly scalable
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Limited integrations
Why We Chose Paycor
Paycor is the best all-in-one HCM and payroll software for businesses that want to turn payroll and HR data into better workforce decisions. While many payroll platforms can pay employees and store HR records, Paycor stands out for its focus on analytics, reporting, and people management.
Businesses can use Paycor to track trends around labor costs, turnover, compensation, headcount, performance, and employee data across the workforce. That makes it a strong fit for companies that have moved beyond basic payroll and need clearer insight into what’s happening with their team.
When To Choose Paycor
- You need a full-service HCM
- You operate a large business that needs advanced payroll and HR features
- You have a small business with complex payroll needs or are poised for quick growth
Square Payroll: Easiest payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
Same-day to 4-dayPricing Range
$6/contractor or $35/month + $6/per employeeBusiness Size
Small to large businesses paying 1+ workersPros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use with plenty of support options
- Integrates with Square ecosystem
- Solid mobile app
Cons
- Basic feature set
Why We Chose Square Payroll
Square Payroll is the easiest payroll software to use because it keeps payroll simple without feeling too basic. It’s built for small businesses that want to pay employees and contractors, handle payroll taxes, import timecards, and manage basic payroll tasks without a steep learning curve.
Square Payroll also naturally fits into the broader Square ecosystem, so it's a solid choice for businesses already using Square products, like Square POS. But even if you don't already use Square, its ease of use and affordability make it one of the most practical payroll options for small businesses.
When To Choose Square Payroll
- You’re already using Square for POS, scheduling, or other tasks
- You want to work with a reputable company that offers payroll, invoicing, payment processing, and POS
- You want something that’s easy to use and learn
- You want affordable software, especially if you just need to pay only contractors
Get Started With Square Payroll
OnPay: Best affordable payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
2 - 4 DaysPricing Range
$49/month + $6/month per personBusiness Size
Small to mid-sized businesses (1-500 employees)Pros
- Customizable HR and payroll tools
- Generous feature set
- Responsive customer service
- Affordable, competitive pricing
Cons
- Limited integrations
- Add-ons can raise overall costs
Why We Chose OnPay
OnPay earns its spot as the best affordable payroll software because it keeps pricing simple without stripping out key features. Instead of splitting core payroll tools across multiple plan tiers, OnPay includes unlimited pay runs, federal, state, and local tax filings, W-2 and 1099 filings, multistate payroll, employee self-service, and HR tools in its base payroll plan.
Optional HR, compliance, and live HR support add-ons are available for businesses that need more. For small businesses that want full-service payroll at a predictable price, OnPay offers one of the strongest feature-to-cost ratios on this list.
When To Choose OnPay
- You have a tight budget and need an affordable payroll software option
- You want extensive payroll and HR features
- You value excellent customer support
QuickBooks Workforce: Best payroll software for QuickBooks users
Payroll Processing Time
Same-day - 5 daysPricing Range
$50/month + $6.50/per person - $203/month + $10/per personBusiness Size
Small to medium-sized businessesCurrent Deal: Get 50% off for three months when you sign up now. Save 50% Today
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online
- Easy signup and no long-term contracts
Cons
- Poor customer service
- No local tax support on lowest tier plan
Why We Chose QuickBooks Workforce
QuickBooks Workforce is the best payroll software for QuickBooks users because it connects payroll and accounting inside the broader QuickBooks ecosystem. Businesses already using QuickBooks Online can manage payroll and bookkeeping together, reducing duplicate data entry and keeping payroll information connected to their accounting records.
QuickBooks Workforce can handle core payroll needs such as full-service payroll, direct deposit, payroll tax filing, payroll reports, contractor payments, and employee access to pay stubs, W-2s, time off, and year-to-date pay details. Higher-tier plans include time tracking, HR tools, benefits, Payroll AI, and more advanced workforce management features. For businesses already committed to QuickBooks, Workforce is the natural payroll choice.
When To Choose QuickBooks Payroll
- You already use QuickBooks Online and want payroll connected to your accounting
- You want automated payroll, direct deposit, payroll tax filing, and employee self-service in one QuickBooks system
- You need employee access to pay stubs, W-2s, time off, and year-to-date pay details
Get Started With QuickBooks Workforce
Payroll4Free: Best free payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
2-4 daysPricing Range
$0/mo - $40/monthBusiness Size
Small businesses with up to 9 employees (additional employees add monthly costs)Pros
- Free plan for businesses with fewer than 10 employees
- Includes essential payroll features
- Easy to use
Cons
- Outdated UI
- Unsuitable for large businesses
- Ad-supported
Why We Chose Payroll4Free
Payroll4Free is the best free payroll software option for very small businesses that need to keep payroll costs as low as possible. Its free basic service is available for businesses that pay nine or fewer employees monthly and includes core payroll tools such as employee and contractor payments, tax calculations, vacation time tracking, payroll reports, direct deposit or paper checks, and an employee portal.
The trade-off is that Payroll4Free is ad-supported, and some services cost extra. Payroll4Free can handle tax deposits and filings on your behalf for a monthly fee, and additional fees may apply for certain services or support requests. But for small businesses comfortable with a more DIY payroll setup, Payroll4Free offers a useful set of payroll tools at no base software cost.
When To Choose Payroll4Free
- You have fewer than 10 employees
- You want free payroll software
- You only need basic payroll processing and employee management features
- You’re okay with an ad-supported experience in exchange for no monthly payment
Patriot Payroll: Best for affordable payroll tax management
Payroll Processing Time
2-4 daysPricing Range
$17/month +$4/month per person - $37/month + $5/month per personBusiness Size
Small to mid-sized businesses with up to 500 employeesPros
- Excellent tax support
- Excellent US-based customer service
- Competitive pricing
- Easy to use with a free demo
Cons
- Limited HR features
- Few integrations and no API
- Very limited benefits administration options
Why We Chose Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is a strong fit for businesses that want affordable payroll tax management because it offers both Basic Payroll and Full Service Payroll plans. The Basic plan is cheaper and lets businesses run payroll while handling tax filings themselves, while the Full Service plan adds federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and deposits.
That combination of low pricing, transparent plan options, and full-service tax filing makes Patriot a cost-effective choice for small businesses that want payroll tax help without paying for a larger HR platform.
When To Choose Patriot Payroll
- You want affordable payroll with low monthly payments
- You want affordable payroll tax support
- You value all-in-one payroll, accounting, timekeeping, and HR software
- You want excellent customer support
Get Started With Patriot Payroll
Wave Payroll: Best payroll software with free accounting
Payroll Processing Time
3 DaysPricing Range
$40/month + $6/employeeBusiness Size
Small businessesPros
- Easy to use
- Affordable pricing
- Integration with Wave’s free accounting software
Cons
- No HR support
- No benefits administration
- No phone support
Why We Chose Wave Payroll
Wave Payroll earns its spot as the best payroll software with free accounting because it connects directly with Wave’s accounting, invoicing, and bookkeeping tools. For businesses already using Wave, that integration can make it easier to keep payroll expenses, wage data, and tax payments connected to the books without juggling separate systems.
Wave Payroll is best for small businesses that want simple payroll tied to accounting software, not advanced HR tools. Wave Payroll can handle employee and contractor payments, direct deposit, tax forms, employee access, and payroll journal entries, making it a practical option for small businesses that want payroll and accounting in the same ecosystem.
When To Choose Wave Payroll
- You want to handle account and payroll for a minimal cost
- You have a small budget and need affordable payroll software
- You don’t need advanced payroll features and want something simple to learn and use
Rippling: Best international payroll software
Payroll Processing Time
2 daysPricing Range
$8/month per employee + $40/month base feeBusiness Size
Small businesses to enterprisesPros
- Fully customizable payroll, HR, and IT solution
- Multiple integrations
- Full-service payroll tax support
- Supports US-based and international payroll runs
Cons
- No free trial
- Non-transparent pricing
- Payroll is only an add-on service
Why We Chose Rippling Payroll
Rippling is the best international payroll software for businesses that need to manage payroll, HR, compliance, contractors, and IT across a global team. Businesses can use Rippling to manage international employees and contractors, sync employee data across systems, handle localized onboarding, manage global benefits, and keep payroll connected to the broader employee lifecycle.
Rippling is not the simplest or cheapest option for businesses with only basic payroll needs, but it’s a good choice for companies building or managing distributed teams across multiple countries.
When To Choose Rippling Payroll
- You need full-service payroll software for international employees
- You want extensive suite of employee management and HR tools
- You want modular pricing with optional PEO services
- You value an extensive integration library
Homebase: Best payroll for hourly employees
Payroll Processing Time
2+ daysPricing Range
up to $120/month per locationBusiness Size
Small to large businesses with 1+ employeesPros
- Free time tracking and employee scheduling
- Modern UI
- Competitive pricing
- Quick and easy set up
Cons
- Glitchy mobile app
- Free plan is limited to 10 employees and one location
- Payroll is only available as an add-on
Why We Chose Homebase
Homebase is the best payroll software for hourly employees because it connects payroll with scheduling, time clocks, timesheets, and team communication. For businesses with hourly teams, that connection can reduce manual entry and make it easier to turn approved hours into payroll.
Homebase is especially useful for businesses that want strong scheduling and time tracking before adding payroll. Its free Basic plan supports one location with scheduling, time clocks, timesheets, and team communication tools, while payroll is available as a paid add-on.
When To Choose Homebase
- You need combined scheduling and payroll software
- You need an affordable way to pay hourly employees
- You run a very small business or have a nanny that you need to pay professionally and affordably
Methodology
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing payroll providers since 2018. Our writers have tested more than 75 different payroll software systems, evaluating pricing, features, ease of use, customer service, and user reviewers. Read more about how we rate payroll providers.
When comparing different apps, we consider over seventy data points, including the speed and cost of payroll runs, federal and state tax filing features, HR integrations, employee management tools, time tracking, and more. Our lists of the best providers include only apps we’ve deemed worthwhile from several vantage points. The payroll apps we pick are widely available and relatively easy to train on, with robust features and reasonable pricing. We also look carefully at features such as employee and client portals, user onboarding services, PTO management, benefits administration, multistate compliance, and more.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the providers included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.
75+
Vendors evaluated
76
Attributes assessed per vendor
26
Features weighed
20+
Combined years of experience
Search For The Best Payroll Software By Industry
Are you looking for industry-specific payroll software? While our list of the best payroll software works well for many businesses, if you are in a certain niche like construction or trucking, you might require software that fits your specific features and needs better.
Here are some best payroll software selections by industry:
- Best restaurant payroll software
- Best payroll software for accountants
- Best HR software for small businesses
- Best PEO software for businesses
Or, if you don’t want to search by industry and are just looking for something budget-friendly, check out the cheapest payroll software options for small businesses.
What Is Payroll Software?
Payroll software is software designed to help businesses calculate payroll, pay employees and contractors, and stay compliant with payroll tax laws.
Types Of Payroll Software
There are four types of payroll software:
- Payroll software
- Payroll apps
- HR Software
- PEO
Generally speaking, payroll is considered an HR process. However, while many payroll software solutions include some HR features, these options tend to lack some of the richer HR features and services found within the best HR software.
Depending on your business’s needs, you may be better served by a hybrid payroll and HR software solution or two separate solutions that offer a more comprehensive feature set.
Or, if you want to be completely hands-off with your small business payroll and would rather outsource your payroll software entirely, you could look at the top PEO companies instead. PEOs, or Professional Employer Organizations, are companies that handle a company’s employee management, such as payroll, HR, benefits administration, and onboarding, so that a small business doesn’t have to manage all of these elements on its own.
If your business isn’t ready for a PEO or even full-fledged payroll software, a simplified payroll app could be a good alternative, or you could always go the DIY payroll route, though that can be time-consuming and potentially lead to payroll calculation errors.
Learn more about the different types of payroll software and which is best for your business.
How Does Small Business Payroll Software Work?
The majority of payroll software is cloud-based. Payroll software generally uses the SaaS pricing model meaning you’ll pay monthly for access to the software. You’ll usually create a login using your email to access the software online. Some companies offer payroll mobile apps so you can manage your payroll on the go.
Payroll software often provides payroll processing, payroll tax calculations, employee management, time tracking, benefits administration, and reporting, among other features.
Do I Need Payroll Software For My Small Business?
Deciding whether your small business could benefit from payroll software depends on whether you know how to run payroll and how to calculate payroll. If you answered no to either question, going with payroll software would keep you from having to go through the process of learning how to do payroll manually.
The Benefits Of Using Payroll Software
- Saves time on processing payroll, tracking time, & managing employee hours & PTO
- Prevents payroll calculation errors
- Ensures payroll tax & labor law compliance
- Helps with year-end payroll tasks
- Makes tax season easier with payroll records & reporting in one spot
These are just a few of the benefits of payroll software. Read our full list of payroll software benefits to learn how payroll software can help your business.
How Much Should You Expect To Pay For Payroll Software?
Payroll software pricing can be tricky.
Some SaaS companies are transparent with their pricing, and others offer custom packages that require a quote from a sales representative. You can generally expect to pay a base monthly fee, plus a per-employee fee. Some companies also charge add-on fees for specific features or services like time tracking or benefits administration
The number of features you need and the number of employees you have will have the biggest impact on how much payroll software will cost you. Learn more about potential payroll costs and fees.
How To Choose A Good Payroll Software Company
To choose a good payroll company, look for the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Multiple customer support options
- Positive customer reviews & testimonials
- Benefits support in the state you pay employees in
- An easy-to-navigate interface
Shy away from any company that is not forthright with its pricing when asked. Also, avoid companies with predominantly negative customer reviews or a lack of standard SaaS security measures like data encryption, two-factor authentication, employee controls, and physical server safeguards and monitoring.
Our complete guide on how to choose payroll software can help you make the right decision for your business.
What are some things to look for in payroll software?
Erica SeppalaEditor & Senior Staff Writer
It’s important to choose payroll software that at least has standard features like tax filing, direct deposit, and reporting. Also look for user-friendly software, good customer support, and competitively-priced, scalable plans that can grow with your business.
The Bottom Line On Choosing The Right Payroll Software For Your Business
To choose the right payroll software for your business, you’ll need to determine what your business needs in a payroll software solution. Start by answering these questions:
- How much payroll tax support do I need?
- What reports do I require to run my business?
- Will I need hand-holding through onboarding, or can I manage it myself?
- Do I need payroll, or am I looking for a full human capital management program?
- Is a modern interface important to me?
- Does the payroll provider have a functional app?
- What do the reviews say about the company? What are patterns and unresolved issues?
- How easy is it to schedule a demo?
- Does the price include filling W-2s?
- Are there tax experts in case of a tax emergency?
- Can I customize the software to suit my business’s needs?
For better or worse, these are all questions to which you need definitive answers before making a final decision on payroll software for your business. Fortunately, each payroll software has the same end goal: creating a reliable and efficient payroll system for your business.
The payroll software that is right for your business is the one that meets all your budget and payroll support needs. Thanks to the varied options available, it should be easy to find something that is a perfect fit for your business.
Chelsea Krause
Expert Contributor
Chelsea Krause is a writer who specializes in accounting, payroll, and small business loans. She has been helping small business owners manage their finances since 2016. She is a QuickBooks Certified User and former eCommerce store owner. Her accounting expertise has been quoted in Forbes and her work appears in Startup Nation, Small Business Bonfire, and Women on Business. Chelsea graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English & Creative Writing from George Fox University and studied abroad at the University of Oxford as well.
View Chelsea Krause's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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