See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses. To find the best small business payroll solutions for this article, we looked at our payroll-related buyer’s guides and compiled a list of providers that often appear in those lists. We also included those that offer specific payroll services, such as PEO and international pay processing. The provider also has numerous products beyond its ADP Run payroll solution, including a PEO that makes it easy for businesses with plans to grow over the years to transition easily.

Popular Payroll Software Companies

We also look at each online payroll service’s history, reputation, and security practices. The best online payroll services do all that in minutes at a reasonable price—less than $100 per month for a business with five employees. We’ve reviewed the top options, so read on to find out which payroll service is best for you. TimeTrex is great for businesses looking for a payroll service that’s feature-rich and free to use.

Beta Solutions CPA, LLC

From there, I could either send the employee an invite to input their own information (which I could then review for accuracy and approve) or manually enter the data myself. On the “payroll” page, I viewed a spreadsheet of payments earned by employees. From there, I clicked “next” and was taken to a page that flagged all issues that may hinder a successful payroll run. I could click “resolve exceptions” to work out these issues before running payroll. Based on what I was able to play with in the platform, Gusto guides you through payroll and benefits management in a way that makes these processes less overwhelming. You can be sure you’re completing tasks in the right order without missing a step.

• If you offer additional payroll types like paid time off and sick pay, you can define your policies for accruing these benefits.
• TriNet offers three plans ranging from $8 per employee per month to $33 per user per month when billed monthly.
• In your small business, though, both of those responsibilities may land on your desk or that of another employee.
• Offers a comprehensive suite of HR tools such as a proactive HR support team, employer/employee training, business advice, and legal assistance from Upnetic Legal Services®2.
• On the other hand, some reviewers wished that it offered additional reports, customization and integration options, and a more robust PTO calculator.

How Do I Choose the Best Payroll Software for My Small Business?

• They count on you to provide correct information about your payroll configuration and employees.
• Other vendors, such as QuickBooks, offer bundle deals for their accounting and payroll software.
• When it comes to choosing a payroll service for your business, you’ll want to select one that can handle everything you need.
• Most payroll companies offer security protocols already included in their packages.
• However, they report that there are a lot of features to consider when setting up the platform.
• They make supporting data like employee profiles available while you’re getting ready to pay your workers.

Employees can complete a variety of tasks, such as view their pay stubs, manage their time and attendance, and enter time-off requests. Greg Duffy deals with certified payroll to properly pay his employees. He’s now been a Paychex client for more than 30 years and said he’s amazed at how simple that part of his business has become. Paychex Flex Select provides expert service to match your business needs to our solutions. Process payroll, file taxes online, and have access to online employee training and development with 24/7 support. Lisa Lindsey is a seasoned HR consultant and coach and the founder of Peale Piper, a boutique human resources consulting firm.

Compare the Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses

• This is a mandatory payroll deduction that employers pay to the IRS to cover Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare for employees.
• Papaya Global offers solid payroll services for global businesses.
• Larger corporations, on the other hand, tend to look for more advanced solutions that can integrate payroll with other HR systems or have advanced reporting capabilities.
• In addition to its efficient payroll and HR tools, we like that it has transparent pricing.
• This means handing your contact details over to a sales rep, who is free to give you the hard sell on that company’s products and services.

This change initiates changes in tax withholdings, tax filings, payroll calculations, healthcare deductions and more, all without the manager having to lift a finger. It offers an employee portal online and through the Paycor mobile app, so employees can access pay stubs, documents, time-off requests, performance evaluations and employee development all from their phones. TriNet can handle all payroll tax administration for you, offering the option to outsource your payroll function to its PEO service. When you do, its team of HR experts not only manage your payroll and tax administration for you but is available to your company for consulting and problem resolution. The most basic plan offers payroll tools, while subsequent plans offer more in-depth HR tools.

How QuickBooks Payroll works

However, some users said its customer service quality is less than ideal, adding that its support team can be difficult to reach at times. A few reviewers also said that it can be pricey for small businesses. Payroll services are important for small businesses because most small companies don’t have a dedicated HR team that knows the ins and outs of running payroll. Instead, they can rely on payroll companies to manage these tasks for them. These services ensure employees are paid correctly each month and that payroll taxes are filed. By outsourcing these tasks, business owners can save money and time.

A Simple Approach to Payroll, HR, and Benefits

The company’s employer of record service ensures that you stay compliant with the various employment laws in all the countries where you have workers. Papaya Global will even help you secure short-term or long-term work permits for employees outside their home countries. Frank’s Auto Repair uses technology to stay current and keep its customers’ cars on the road and running smoothly. Owner Frank Roberts made the same discovery about payroll and his business, choosing Paychex to help ensure the process was efficient, accurate, and compliant with payroll tax requirements. No business is immune to cyberattacks and data breaches, and that includes small businesses.

When I contacted customer support, I was told that this payroll add-on is typically only sold as an add-on and not as a standalone product. RUN by ADP offers advanced features for automated payroll processing, tax payments and filing and time tracking. Once your payroll calendar is squared away, you can integrate your payroll software with accounting, time and attendance, and HR software provided by your payroll provider or a third-party vendor.

Run payroll in 2 or more states and get built-in time tracking and HR tools. You need to enter any existing payroll history if you’ve compensated employees in the past. This process can be arduous and may require assistance from the site’s onboarding specialists because absolute accuracy is critical. Some sites, like ADP Run, include tools to help automate this process.