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Sep 18, 2023
Filed under: Accounting, Bookkeeping, Invoicing
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Review
This payroll system works well with QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise, but may be overkill if you're not already a die-hard QuickBooks user.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Senior Staff Writer
UPDATED
Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll
| Total Rating | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Fair |
| Features | Excellent |
| Customer Service | Fair |
| Integrations | Good |
| Reviews | Fair |
Payroll Processing Time
2 DaysPricing
Starts at $50/month + $5/person per monthBusiness Size
Small to large businesses paying up to 800+ peopleQuickBooks Desktop Payroll At A Glance
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers essential payroll features for small to medium-sized businesses, including direct deposit, payroll tax support, deductions, garnishments, and more.
- In addition to payroll basics, QuickBooks Desktop offers time-tracking add-ons, hundreds of integrations, an employee self-service portal, and other bonus features.
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is designed to be used with QuickBooks Desktop products, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise.
Pros
- Integrates with QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise
- Easy to use
- No long-term contracts required
- All essential payroll features
Cons
- Poor customer support
- Expensive
- No built-in benefits administration
Table of Contents
- What Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll?
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Pricing
- Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Easy To Use?
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Features
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Customer Service
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Integrations
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Reviews
- Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Secure?
- Final Verdict: Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Worth It?
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll FAQs
What Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll?
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is Intuit’s locally-installed payroll software offering employee and contractor payments, garnishments, deductions, payroll tax support, strong reporting features, and much more. QuickBooks Desktop Payroll works with QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is distinct from Intuit’s other cloud-based payroll software offering — QuickBooks Online Payroll. QuickBooks Online Payroll is cheaper, has more integrations, supports benefits administration, and generally has more features than QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.
However, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll can support paying 800+ employees and contractors, while QuickBooks Online Payroll can only support paying up to 150 workers. In general, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a better choice for businesses paying more than 150 workers and who are already using QuickBooks Desktop.
If your small business is looking for cheaper, cloud-based payroll software with a more comprehensive feature set, consider QuickBooks Online Payroll. Read our QuickBooks Online Payroll review for a breakdown of the software’s features, pricing, and best use cases.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Pricing
Starting at $50/month + $5 per employee paid, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll pricing is on the expensive side.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers two plans: QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll and QuickBooks Assisted Payroll. QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll is included in QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise’s Gold and Platinum plans, while only Diamond plan subscribers have access to The Assisted Payroll service.
Each QuickBooks Desktop Payroll plan charges additional fees for 1099-contractors paid via direct deposit. Users on the Enterprise plans don’t need to pay the base subscription fee for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, but Diamond subscribers must pay a $1/month paid per employee fee.
A 30-day free trial to test the software is available. A credit card is required to sign up for the trial, and you must select whether you would prefer to pay annually or monthly after the trial expires. QuickBooks also frequently offers discounts for new subscribers, although using a free trial may prevent you from taking advantage of these discounts.
QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll
QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll costs $50/month +$5/month per employee. You can purchase a yearly plan for $500/year + $5 month per employee for additional savings. QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll includes:
- Instant paycheck printing
- Pay W-2 and 1099 employees
- Free direct deposit for employees
- E-filing for W-2s
- Payroll tax e-filing and e-payments
- Free tax forms
- Payroll support
- Employee paystub access
- Deductions and garnishments
QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll is an included service for QuickBooks Enterprise Gold and Platinum users. While users on these plans do not have to pay the base subscription fee or a per-person fee, additional fees for each contractor are paid by direct deposit.
QuickBooks Desktop Assisted Payroll
QuickBooks Assisted Payroll is only available to QuickBooks Enterprise Diamond users, so prices to access this plan start at $350/month. As of July 2022, Assisted Payroll is no longer available as an add-on service to new users. No base subscription fee has to be paid, but Diamond subscribers will need to pay $1/month per employee. This plan includes everything from the Enhanced Payroll plan, plus:
- Free next-day direct deposit
- Automatic tax filing
- Free year-end forms
- Automatic payroll setup
- Premium support
The Enterprise Diamond plan is only available as a monthly subscription plan.
Extra QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Costs
| QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Extra Costs | Price |
|---|---|
| QuickBooks Time (Formerly Sheets) | Starts at $20/month + $10/user per month |
| 1099 E-Filing | Starts at $14.99 |
| Multistate Payroll Processing | $12/additional state |
| Salesforce CRM connector | $150/month + one-time onboarding fee |
Before choosing QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, there are several additional costs, including add-ons for time tracking, 1099 E-filing, multi-state payroll processing, and a Salesforce CRM add-on. Compared to other full-service payroll options, these add-on fees are pretty standard.
QuickBooks Enterprise Diamond users get their QuickBooks Time subscription baked into the monthly subscription price and a 50% discount on the per-employee tracking fee. Additionally, only users on the QuickBooks Enterprise Diamond plan get access to the Salesforce CRM add-on.
Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Easy To Use?
If you’re already accustomed to QuickBooks, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll will seem familiar and easy. The software is well-organized, and the UI is relatively intuitive. However, the UI can feel a bit outdated, especially compared to the modern design of QuickBooks Online Payroll.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll works with locally-installed QuickBooks Desktop accounting software. Payroll subscriptions purchased online or over the phone can easily be activated within the QuickBooks Desktop software. You also have the option to purchase the software directly through QuickBooks Desktop accounting software, and it will automatically be installed for you.
To use QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, you must have QuickBooks Pro, Premier, or Enterprise. QuickBooks Desktop Payroll only works with versions 2021 or later. Internet access is also required to download updated payroll tax rates.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Features
| QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Features | Availability |
|---|---|
| Payroll Tax Support | |
| Auto-Schedule Payroll | |
| Bonus Payroll | |
| Off-Cycle Payroll | |
| Employee Management | |
| Paid Time Off | |
| Time Tracking | Add-on only |
| HR Support | |
| Onboarding Support | |
| Benefits Administration | |
| Number Of Reports | 10+ |
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers the basics you’d expect from payroll software, including direct deposit and check printing, 1099 contractor and W-2 employee payments, deduction management, tax calculations, time tracking, and much more.
However, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is optimized for mid-sized businesses looking for a full-service payroll solution. Smaller businesses should consider looking for more affordable payroll options, especially those not locked into the QuickBooks Desktop suite. QuickBooks Desktop is an expensive option for the features promised, and you can get more bang for your buck elsewhere.
Payroll Processing
As a payroll software solution, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll definitely hits all the basics and is flexible enough to handle the needs of small to mid-sized businesses. However, the software’s payroll features aren’t as robust as other options in the payroll software space, especially QuickBooks Online.
That said, if you’re looking for basic payroll services for your business, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers:
- Two-day direct deposit
- Check printing
- Pay employees and 1099 contractors
- Deductions and garnishments
- Support multiple pay rates and schedules
- Supplemental wages
Employee Management & PTO
QuickBooks Desktop payroll is well-equipped with basic employee management features, including an employee portal and time off management. Otherwise, this department’s software isn’t exactly feature-rich, especially compared to its Online counterpart.
The software’s employee management and PTO features include:
- Employee portal
- Employee management
- Manage PTO policies and schedules
- Holiday and sick pay
- Document storage
- Employee paystub and check access
Time Tracking
While time tracking is not built into QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, it functions well as an add-on through QuickBooks Time. The QuickBooks Time add-on syncs with your QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.
If you use the QuickBooks Time add-on with QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, you can expect the following features:
- Time tracking
- Geofencing and GPS Tracking
- Mobile app time-tracking
- Overtime alerts and approval
- Employee schedule approvals
- Schedule management
Payroll Tax Support
While both QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced and Assisted Payroll plans offer tax support, QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll offers a more DIY payroll tax approach by giving you all the tools to get your taxes paid, while QuickBooks Assisted Payroll will handle your payroll taxes for you.
You’ll get the following payroll tax features when you subscribe to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll:
- Federal and state payroll tax calculation
- eFile payroll tax forms (incl. W-2s)
- 1099 E-filing (added cost)
- ePay tax options
- Full-service payroll
- Connects to TurboTax
Reporting
The QuickBooks Desktop system has always had a strong reporting system, and the Desktop Payroll service is no different. Users can create custom payroll reports or choose from the built-in payroll report templates. Get granular with payroll items, rates, total expenses, per employee, and custom report filtering options.
Here’s what you can expect from QuickBooks Desktop Payroll’s reporting features:
- Run unlimited payroll reports
HR & Onboarding
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll does not include any HR services or add-ons. However, the software does support several HR integrations that would help to consolidate your business’s essential data. These integrations include Gusto, GoBenefits, EverythingHR, and more.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced users can invite new employees to complete their onboarding through the QuickBooks Workforce self-setup portal. This cloud-service feature is available through the QuickBooks payroll Setup Wizard. Through the QuickBooks Workforce portal, new employees will be able to set their bank accounts, addresses, phone numbers, W-4s, SSNs, and birthdates.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Customer Service
| QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Support | Availability |
|---|---|
| Phone Support | |
| Email Support | |
| Support Tickets | |
| Live Chat | |
| Dedicated Support Representative | |
| Knowledge Base or Help Center | |
| Videos & Tutorials | |
| Company Blog | |
| Social Media |
The most direct way to get in touch with a QuickBooks Desktop customer service representative is to call or open a chat in-app. Help is available from 6 AM to 6 PM for most customers, while QuickBooks Enterprise users can get help at any time.
However, Intuit is known for outsourcing its help centers. Payroll experts are hypothetically available for important issues, but getting to one and talking things through can take a long time. Otherwise, your support options are generally limited to taking the DIY route.
If you’re not in need of immediate help, the QuickBooks Community forum is frequented by QuickBooks experts and actual employees to help you troubleshoot your problems. It serves as a built-in support directory, as most answers will guide you to a relevant help article or video.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Integrations
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll works within QuickBooks Desktop, which offers over 200 integrations. This includes popular business apps and software like QuickBooks Time, Expensify, Shopify, and Chaser. However, this is far fewer than the 750+ integrations offered through QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Reviews
It’s virtually impossible to find QuickBooks Desktop Payroll-specific reviews, solely because the QuickBook Online Payroll option is by far the more popular option. That said, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise users get payroll bundled in with their services, so we checked out what SoftwareAdvice and TrustPilot reviewers had to say about the software’s payroll offerings.
Generally, users were happy to have a software solution that rolled accounting, invoicing, and payroll into a single solution. While reviews rarely singled out payroll as their favorite feature, most users were happy with its functionality, especially its tax support.
Users cited a cumbersome process when setting up payroll, lacking customer support, and ever-increasing prices as their primary concerns regarding the software. Customer support was a mixed bag with some reviewers praising the service and others lodging complaints about the lack of support they received.
Negative QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Reviews & Complaints
- Expensive
- Poor customer service
- Lacking state-specific tax support
Positive QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Reviews
- Easy to access & use
- Onboarding help
- All-in-one payroll and accounting software
- Reliable payroll services
Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Secure?
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll operates through QuickBooks Desktop accounting software. Since it’s locally installed, data security is up to you, with the exception of QuickBooks Hosting users. QuickBooks offers a number of online resources to help you learn how to protect your data.
Final Verdict: Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Worth It?
| QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $50/month + $5/person per month or $500/year + $5/person per month |
| Choose If You Need |
|
For QuickBooks Desktop users, the most obvious benefit is that QuickBooks Desktop Payroll integrates with the software. This makes setting up the software easy, and users with prior QuickBooks experience will find the payroll dashboard easy to navigate and use.
Throw in tax support, numerous payroll reports, and a number of great features, and it’s easy to see why QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a good choice for many businesses that want an all-in-one payroll and accounting software solution.
On the flip side, though, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll can be expensive. Only two plans are offered, and you only receive full tax support with the higher-priced plan. If you already use the accounting software for your business, great. If not, you’ll have to make the switch, which could be cumbersome and more expensive than your current accounting and payroll solution. The expense may also not be worth the cost to smaller businesses with just a few employees or contractors.
If you’re already a fan of QuickBooks Desktop, it doesn’t hurt to give QuickBooks Desktop Payroll a shot. However, if you already love the accounting software you’re using, are on a tighter budget, or would feel overwhelmed by numerous features, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll may not be the right software for your business.
If this is the case, check out our picks for the best payroll software for small businesses. Good luck!
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll FAQs
Davina Ward
Senior Staff Writer
Davina joined Merchant Maverick in 2022, covering small business payroll and accounting. She began writing for small businesses in 2018 and has since gained expertise in the SaaS industry. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature from SUNY Geneseo in 2018. She currently resides in New York.
View Davina Ward's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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Try A Top Pick For Payroll
ADP Payroll  |
|---|
We like ADP Payroll for its advanced employee management, strong payroll features, and great customer support. Get three months free when you sign up through our links! Get Started.
Try A Top Pick For Payroll
ADP Payroll |
|---|
We like ADP Payroll for its advanced employee management, strong payroll features, and great customer support. Get three months free when you sign up through our links! Get Started.
