As a small business owner, you have much on your plate – from managing finances to handling customer service. One area that can be particularly time-consuming is managing Payroll.
Managing Payroll can be a tedious and time-consuming task for small business owners. It involves calculating salaries and keeping track of employee benefits, taxes, and compliance with legal requirements.
Without the right tools, it can quickly become overwhelming and error-prone. This is where payroll software comes in – it can automate many aspects of payroll processing, saving you time and reducing the payment risk.
In this blog post, we’ll share our top picks for the best payroll software for small businesses. Our list includes cloud-based and desktop solutions with varying levels of features and pricing. We’ve researched, so you don’t have to, and we’re confident that our recommendations will help you streamline your payroll processing and improve your business operations.
What is Payroll Software?
Payroll software is an invaluable tool for businesses, enabling them to efficiently manage and automate the payment process for their employees and contractors. With its ability to streamline labor-intensive tasks, such as wage calculations, tax withholdings, and deductions, payroll software simplifies payroll administration.
In addition to these core functionalities, top-notch payroll software reaches beyond essential payroll management. It offers expense tracking, time tracking, and comprehensive reports. These features provide valuable insights into payroll costs, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and optimize financial management.
Payroll software comes in two primary forms: on-premises and cloud-based solutions. On-premises software is installed and operated locally on a company’s servers, offering enhanced control and security but requiring infrastructure maintenance. On the other hand, cloud-based payroll software is hosted on remote servers, accessible through the Internet, and managed by the software provider. This type of software offers convenience, scalability, and automatic updates, eliminating in-house maintenance.
Why Do Small Businesses Need Payroll Software?
Small businesses need payroll software for several reasons:
- Time-saving: Payroll software can automate time-consuming tasks such as calculating employee wages, withholding taxes, and generating paychecks. This can save small business owners significant time and effort on manual payroll processing.
- Accuracy: Manual payroll processing is prone to human error, resulting in costly mistakes such as overpaying or underpaying employees. Payroll software minimizes errors by automating calculations and providing built-in error-checking mechanisms.
- Compliance: Small businesses must comply with various federal, state, and local payroll and tax withholding regulations. Payroll software can help businesses stay compliant with these regulations by automatically calculating and withholding the correct amount of taxes and generating forms and reports.
- Record-keeping: Payroll software can help small businesses keep accurate and organized records of employee hours, wages, and tax withholdings. These records can be important in an audit or legal dispute.
- Employee self-service: Many payroll software solutions offer self-service portals allowing employees to view their pay stubs, update their personal information, and even request time off. This can save time and reduce administrative overhead for small business owners.
Most payroll software systems offer affordable pricing options, such as a flat rate plus a fee per employee, making it accessible to small businesses. Small businesses need payroll software to manage their payroll process efficiently, accurately, and cost-effectively.
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What Features Should you Consider for Payroll Software?
When selecting payroll software for a small business, it is important to consider features that will meet the business’s specific needs. Here are some key features to look for:
- Automated Calculations: Look for payroll software that automates gross wages, taxes, deductions, and net pay. This feature can help reduce errors and save time.
- Tax Compliance: The software should be up-to-date with tax laws and regulations and calculate and withhold the correct employee taxes.
- Direct Deposit: Direct deposit is a convenient feature that allows employees to receive their pay directly into their bank accounts.
- Time and Attendance: Some payroll software solutions also offer time and attendance tracking features, which can help businesses manage employee schedules and attendance.
- Employee Self-Service: Employee self-service features allow employees to access their pay stubs, update their personal information, and request time off. This can save time and reduce administrative overhead for small business owners.
- Customizable Reports: The software should offer customizable reports that can be tailored to the business’s specific needs, such as payroll summaries or tax reports.
- Integration with Other Systems: The payroll software should be able to integrate with other business systems, such as accounting software or HR management tools.
- Customer Support: The software vendor should provide reliable customer support and training resources to help businesses get the most out of their payroll software.
Some software may offer additional features like benefits management, employee self-service portals, or customizable reports, so consider your specific needs when evaluating your options.
The Best Payroll Software for Small Business
Choosing the right software for your small business is essential for optimizing operations and financial health. To ensure your payroll system is suitable for your business now and in the future, it should be easy to use, cost-effective, and scale with your business. Here are some of the best payroll solutions that meet these criteria for small businesses.
01. Gusto
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits software that is easy to use and affordable.
Rating:
4.5 Outstanding
- Automated tax filing
- Direct deposit
- Time tracking
Why did we picked it?
Gusto is a popular HR and payroll software solution designed for small businesses. It offers many features, including payroll processing, tax filing, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and more.
Whether starting or expanding your fast-growing business, Gusto is the partner you need to grow and nurture your team. Gusto offers modern HR features, including automated payroll processing, tax filing and payment, benefits management, and employee self-service. Its easy-to-use interface and intuitive design make payroll management simple and stress-free for small business owners.
Gusto serves over 200,000 companies across the US with a single, trusted system, competitive compensation tools, and expert guidance. This will help you empower your team. Because when your people thrive, your business thrives too. While it may be more expensive, its added value and efficiency make it a worthwhile investment for companies looking to streamline payroll management.
Key Features:
Gusto is a payroll software option for small businesses with various features to streamline payroll and HR processes. Some of Gusto’s key features include:
Employee Self-Service: With Gusto, employees can access their pay stubs and tax forms online and change their personal information, such as address or bank account details.
Benefits Administration: Gusto offers a range of benefits administration features, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Time and Attendance: Gusto offers a time tracking feature that allows employees to clock in and out and managers to approve time cards. The software also integrates with various time-tracking solutions, including TSheets and Homebase.
HR Tools: Gusto offers a range of HR tools, including onboarding and offboarding features, employee surveys, and compliance support.
Customizable Reports: Gusto offers a range of customizable reports, including payroll summaries, tax filings, and employee data reports. Employers can also create custom reports using the Gusto API.
Integrations: Gusto integrates with various other software solutions, including accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, time-tracking tools, and benefits providers.
With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and seamless integrations, Gusto empowers businesses to streamline their payroll and HR processes, saving time, reducing errors, and ensuring compliance.
Pricing:
Gusto offers three pricing plans, including:
- Simple: This plan starts at $40 per month plus $6 per monthly employee and includes features—a streamlined set of automatic payroll features and benefits integrations.
- Plus: This plan starts at $60 per month plus $12 per employee per month and includes comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR tools to help employers build an excellent workplace—in-person or remotely.
- Premium: This is an exclusive pricing plan. To find out the price of this plan, Gusto recommends that you contact them.
Customer Support:
Gusto offers excellent customer support, including phone, email, and chat support, as well as a comprehensive online help center with articles and tutorials.
👍 Pros
- Ease of use software tool
- Available with comprehensive features
- Automated payroll processing
- Employee Self-Service
- Time-tracking features are available.
- Excellent customer support
👎 Cons
- Integration challenges
- More expensive than other payroll software options for small businesses
02. Intuit QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is popular payroll software that integrates with QuickBooks accounting software.
Rating:
4.4 Excellent
- Suitable for small businesses
- Multi-faceted business management in one place
- Suitable for companies that already use QuickBooks for accounting purposes
Why did we picked it?
Intuit QuickBooks Payroll is a financial software company founded in 1983. It offers programs for businesses, accountants, and individuals. In addition to payroll software, it provides accounting, payment processing, and inventory management tools.
It is cloud-based payroll software that integrates with QuickBooks accounting software. You can easily import QuickBooks data and use it to run payroll. The software automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and payments, saving time and reducing error risk.
Intuit QuickBooks Payroll is available in two versions: Self-Service Payroll and Full-Service Payroll. With the Self-Service Payroll option, businesses can take charge of payroll operations by handling tasks such as paycheck generation and tax form preparation. On the other hand, Full-Service Payroll offers businesses the convenience of outsourcing payroll responsibilities to Intuit, which takes care of all payroll-related tasks, including filing and paying taxes on your behalf.
Key Features:
Intuit QuickBooks Payroll software offers various features to help small businesses manage payroll processes. Here are the key features of QuickBooks Payroll include:
Automated Payroll: QuickBooks Payroll offers automated payroll features that help simplify the process of paying employees.
Tax Compliance: It can help small businesses comply with federal and state payroll tax laws. The software automatically calculates payroll taxes, generates tax forms, and offers electronic filing options for easy compliance.
Direct Deposit: QuickBooks Payroll offers natural deposit options, allowing employees to receive their paychecks directly in their bank accounts.
Customizable Payroll Reports: It also offers customizable payroll reports, allowing businesses to generate reports on employee earnings, taxes, deductions, etc.
Time Tracking: QuickBooks Payroll includes time tracking features, allowing businesses to track employee hours and generate accurate paychecks based on hourly wages.
Mobile App: It has a mobile app that allows businesses to manage payroll on the go. The app offers access to critical features from a smartphone or tablet.
Integration with QuickBooks Accounting Software: QuickBooks Payroll integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, allowing businesses to manage their finances and payroll in one place.
Pricing:
Here are the QuickBooks Payroll pricing plans:
Simple Start: This plan costs $9 monthly and includes basic payroll features.
Essentials: This plan starts at $13.50 monthly and includes payroll and additional features.
Plus: This plan starts at $19 monthly and includes personalized HR support and additional features and services.
Customer Support:
QuickBooks Payroll offers customer support via phone, chat, and email. However, some users have reported slow response times and difficulty reaching a representative. The software also provides various online resources, including user guides, FAQs, and video tutorials, to help you troubleshoot issues and learn how to use the software.
👍 Pros
- Easy to use and navigate
- Integrates with QuickBooks accounting software
- Offers two payroll options to choose from
- Automate payroll calculations and tax filings
- Provides a range of reports and analytics to help you track payroll expenses
👎 Cons
- Customer support may be slow to respond.
- Some users have reported occasional glitches and errors in the software.
- The Full Service Payroll option can be expensive for small businesses with many employees.
03. Paychex
Paychex is comprehensive payroll and HR software that offers features such as tax compliance, employee self-service portals, and benefits administration.
Rating:
4.4 Excellent
- Suitable for medium-sized and growing businesses
- The best option for companies with 50 to 500 employees or more.
- Organizations with a professional staff should consider this service
Why did we picked it?
Paychex is a human capital services provider that handles payroll, employee benefits, other HR functions, and business insurance for small and medium-sized businesses. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Paychex has over 100 offices and serves approximately 730,000 payroll organizations in the US and businesses in Europe. Founded in 1971, the company has recently won industry awards for its ethical practices, work environment, innovation, service, and cloud-based technology.
With over 45 years’ of experience in the industry, Paychex has established itself as a trusted option for companies looking to streamline their payroll processes. Its is innovative software-as-a-service technology and mobility platform, Paychex offers a powerful combination of advanced technology and personalized service, enabling business owners to concentrate on their core operations and drive business growth. Paychex payroll software can be accessed through a web browser or mobile app, making it easy for business owners to manage payroll from anywhere.
Key Features:
Paychex payroll software offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for small businesses. Here are these key features of Paychex payroll software include:
Tax Compliance: It handles all aspects of payroll tax compliance, including calculating and withholding taxes, paying taxes to the appropriate authorities, and filing the necessary tax forms.
Employee Self-Service: It also offers a web-based portal that allows employees to view their pay stubs, track their time off, and make changes to their personal information.
Mobile App: Paychex has a mobile app that allows employees to view their pay stubs, access their time-off balances, and view their benefits information from their smartphones.
HR Compliance: Paychex supports HR compliance, including maintaining employee records, handling I-9 and W-4 forms, and tracking employee leave.
Time and Attendance Tracking: This offers a range of time and attendance tracking options, including a web-based time clock, mobile app, and biometric time clocks.
Benefits Administration: This also offers various benefits administration services, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and flexible spending accounts.
Reporting: Paychex provides customizable reporting options that allow businesses to view and analyze payroll and HR data in various ways.
Integrations: Paychex integrates with various accounting and HR software, including QuickBooks, Xero, and BambooHR.
Pricing:
Paychex offers three payroll plans: Paychex Flex Essentials, Flex Select, and Flex Pro.
Flex Essentials is ideal for hands-on business owners who prefer managing payroll themselves. It costs $39 per month plus $5 per employee, including payroll processing, tax services, new hire reporting, analytics, and more.
Flex Select is customizable, offering features tailored to your business needs.
Flex Pro provides full-service payroll, tax filing, HR tools, and dedicated support. Each plan offers different payment methods and scheduling options.
Customer Support:
Paychex offers reliable customer support for its payroll software, with a dedicated support team available by phone, email, or live chat. The company also offers a range of resources and training materials to help businesses get the most out of their software.
👍 Pros
- User-friendly interface payroll software
- Time and attendance tracking payroll software
- Available with comprehensive payroll and tax compliance features
- Reliable customer support
👎 Cons
- Some issues with the software's reporting features
- Some users reported occasional glitches in the system
04. ADP (Automatic Data Processing)
ADP is well-known payroll and HR software that offers features such as tax compliance, time and attendance tracking, and benefits administration.
Rating:
4.2 Excellent
- A good choice for growing companies
- This service is ideal for businesses that require extensive HR support
- Who enjoy working from their smartphones will find this app to be useful
Why did we picked it?
ADP (Automated Data Processing) payroll software is a popular payroll solution for small businesses that need a complete and customizable payroll system. It was founded over 70 years ago in Paterson, New Jersey. Since then, it has become a global provider of human capital management tools, such as payroll, time tracking, and HR services.
ADP has more than 100 offices across the country and even more around the world. It serves large companies like Honeywell, Dell, Pfizer and small businesses. With a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion, ADP is a member of the NASDAQ 100. This includes other major tech brands like Adobe, Amazon, Facebook, and Intuit, another payroll software provider we reviewed.
ADP (Automated Data Processing) payroll software offers a range of features to help businesses automate and streamline their payroll processes, including tax reporting, direct deposit, time and attendance tracking, and employee benefits administration.
Key Features:
ADP (Automated Data Processing) payroll software offers many features and functionality for small to large businesses. Here are the key features of ADP payroll software:
Tax Compliance: It handles all payroll tax compliance tasks, including calculating and withholding taxes, filing tax forms, and paying taxes to government agencies.
HR Management: Like other software, ADP offers HR management features such as employee onboarding, performance management, and benefits administration.
Time and Attendance Tracking: It provides tools for tracking employee time and attendance, including time clock integration, scheduling, and overtime calculations.
Reporting and Analytics: ADP provides customizable reporting and analytics tools to help businesses gain insights into payroll data, employee performance, and compliance.
Integration: This also integrates with various other software applications, including accounting, HR, and time and attendance systems.
Employee Self-Service: It provides employees with a self-service portal to view their pay stubs, W-2 forms, and other payroll and HR information.
Mobile App: ADP offers a mobile app that allows employees to access their payroll and HR information on the go, including pay stubs, time off requests, and benefits information.
Pricing:
ADP provides four payroll service plans, with pricing that varies based on the number of employees and specific business requirements. However, based on feedback from payroll-only users, the Essential plan reportedly begins at $79 per month, with an additional charge of $4 per employee.
Customer Support:
ADP offers 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, they offer online resources such as training videos and user guides to help businesses get the most out of their software. Generally, ADP Payroll Software is a comprehensive and customizable payroll solution that can help small businesses automate and streamline their payroll processes.
👍 Pros
- User-friendly interface software
- Wide range of payroll solutions to suit the needs of small businesses
- Handles all aspects of tax compliance
- Integration with other systems, such as HR software
👎 Cons
- More expensive than other payroll software
- Limited customization options
05. OnPay
OnPay is a simple, user-friendly payroll software that offers features such as tax compliance, direct deposit, and automated payroll processing.
Rating:
4.1 Very Good
- Comprehensive service at a reasonable price
- Payroll can be created on more than one schedule.
- Customer service is available online and by phone
Why did we picked it?
OnPay payroll software is a cloud-based payroll solution that offers small businesses an easy and affordable way to manage payroll processes. The software provides companies with a user-friendly interface that simplifies payroll management, reduces errors, and saves time.
Get access to payroll for W-2 and 1099 workers, automatic tax filing and payments, and an employee self-service portal for self-incorporation, documents, and PTO tracking. You can manage benefits, including insurance and retirement plans, with access to the most significant providers.
OnPay doesn’t include built-in accounting tools but integrates with popular accounting and HR tools like QuickBooks, Xero, When I Work, and more.
Key Features:
OnPay payroll software offers a range of features to help businesses manage their payroll, including:
Employee Self-Service: OnPay offers an employee portal where employees can access their pay stubs, W-2s, and other important documents.
Automated Tax Filing: OnPay automates the tax filing process, which can help save businesses time and reduce the risk of errors.
Direct Deposit: OnPay offers direct deposit, allowing businesses to pay their employees electronically.
Time and Attendance Tracking: OnPay includes time and attendance tracking features, allowing businesses to track employee hours, overtime, and time off.
Integration with Other Software: OnPay can integrate with various other software applications, such as accounting software, HR software, and time and attendance systems.
Customizable Reporting: OnPay offers reporting options, allowing businesses to create reports that meet their needs. Information can be generated for payroll, tax, and employee data and exported in various formats.
Compliance Support: OnPay offers compliance support, including access to HR experts who can help businesses navigate complex HR and payroll regulations.
Pricing:
You can get all OnPay payroll software features for $40 monthly plus $6 per person. With OnPay, you can select from various customizable plans that will help you find the best offer at an affordable price.
Customer Support:
OnPay offers free phone and email support and live chat and has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. Additionally, the software provides various online resources, including training videos, user guides, and a knowledge base, to help businesses get the most out of their software
👍 Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Easy employee payroll
- Lien payment service included
- Customizable plans
- Excellent client service
👎 Cons
- HR features are relatively basic
- Fewer integrations than some other payroll solutions
06. Square Payroll
Square Payroll is payroll software that integrates with Square's point-of-sale software.
Rating:
4.2 Excellent
- Best Payroll solution for small businesses
- Automates and streamlines payroll processes
- Available with tax filing, Direct deposit, Time and attendance tracking
Why did we picked it?
Small businesses can utilize Square Payroll for their payroll and tax needs. This full-service solution helps companies pay employees and contractors through online payroll and manage payroll taxes. It integrates with various payment processing tools, accounting software, and employee management systems. It offers automated tax filing, payroll processing, and employee benefits management.
It can manage different types of employees, including salaried, hourly, and contractors. It also allows businesses to pay employees and contractors based on hours worked during a specified pay period. It automatically calculates paid time off, hours worked, and labor costs. Other features include integrated time cards, employee benefits offers, direct deposit, and filing taxes such as employee hiring reports, W-2s, and federal and state payroll taxes.
Key Features:
Here are some key features of Square Payroll software for small businesses:
Automated payroll processing: The software automatically calculates and deducts payroll taxes, overtime, and sick leave and generates pay stubs for each employee to save time and reduce errors.
Direct deposit and checks: It offers the option of direct deposit of employee paychecks and the ability to print checks for employees who prefer that payment method.
Tax filing and reporting: Square Payroll handles all payroll tax filing and reporting for you, including filing federal, state, and local taxes and providing W-2s and 1099s at year-end.
Time tracking integration: Square Payroll integrates with popular time tracking apps like TSheets and Homebase to automatically import employee hours and calculate payroll.
Benefits and time off tracking: This also offers the ability to track employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, and time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
Compliance and security: Square Payroll is designed to comply with federal and state payroll regulations, offering security features like two-factor authentication and data encryption to protect sensitive payroll information.
Affordable pricing: Square Payroll offers a simple pricing structure with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. You pay a monthly base fee plus a per-employee fee, and you can add or remove employees anytime.
Pricing:
Square Payroll Software offers a range of plans that vary in price and features. The plans start at $35 monthly plus $6 per employee for basic payroll processing and tax filing.
Customer Support:
Square offers customer support via email and phone during business hours. Additionally, they offer online resources such as training videos and user guides to help businesses get the most out of their software. Generally, Square Payroll Software is an affordable and user-friendly payroll solution that can help small businesses automate and streamline their payroll processes.
👍 Pros
- Square Payroll features
- Direct Deposit: streamlined payment for employees
- W-2 Preparation: easy tax season with in-app employee W2s
- Vacation/Leave Tracking: increases the productivity in payroll and bookkeeping
- Ultimate feature of the app.
👎 Cons
- Square Payroll may improve interface design over time
07. Zenefits
Zenefits all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits software that offers payroll automation, time and attendance tracking, and compliance reporting.
Rating:
4.0 Very Good
- User-friendly and easy to navigate software
- Automates many of the tasks associated with payroll processing.
- It integrates seamlessly with other HR and time-tracking software.
Why did we picked it?
Zenefits Payroll Software is a user-friendly payroll management system designed to streamline the payroll processing workflow. Automating numerous payroll tasks simplifies the payroll management process for businesses. The software includes a wide range of tools that enable efficient management of employee data, automated payroll calculations, and seamless handling of tax filings.
Zenefits Payroll Software integrates with other HR and time-tracking software. This integration allows businesses to have a unified HR management solution, combining payroll with other essential HR functions. By consolidating these processes, businesses can enhance efficiency and ensure seamless data synchronization across different systems.
Key Features:
Zenefits Payroll is all-in-one HR software offering small businesses payroll, benefits, and HR management features. Here are some key features of Zenefits Payroll:
Automated Payroll: Zenefits Payroll automates the payroll process, including calculating and processing paychecks, taxes, and other deductions.
Tax Filing: Zenefits Payroll automatically calculates and files federal, state, and local taxes on behalf of the business.
Employee Self-Service: Zenefits Payroll includes a self-service portal for employees to view and manage their pay stubs, tax forms, and other HR-related documents.
Benefits Administration: Zenefits Payroll offers a range of benefits administration features, including enrollment, management, and compliance tracking.
Time and Attendance Tracking: Zenefits Payroll integrates with time and attendance tracking tools to streamline the payroll process and ensure accurate pay.
Reporting and Analytics: Zenefits Payroll provides customizable reporting and analytics tools to help businesses track and analyze payroll and HR data.
Pricing:
Zenefits Payroll Software offers two pricing plans:
Essentials: $8 per monthly employee.
Growth: $14 per monthly employee.
Zen: $21 per monthly employee.
Every plan offers multiple features, but the Growth plan includes additional HR tools, such as performance management and onboarding.
Customer Support:
Zenefits Payroll Software offers customer support through phone, email, and live chat. The company also has an extensive knowledge base with helpful articles and tutorials. However, some users have reported slow response times from the customer support team.
👍 Pros
- Everything is well-organized and easy to learn and use.
- Accurate timekeeping
- Efficient time-off request and approval process
- PTO calendar is useful
- All tasks can be performed, some with clunkiness.
👎 Cons
- Slow response time for customer support
- Would like to see more printing options for PDF files
- Live chat takes too long to reach a person
- Email with 2-3 business day response time
08. BambooHR
BambooHR is HR software offering payroll features, such as tax compliance and reporting.
Rating:
3.9 Very Good
- BambooHR is easy to use and offers a user-friendly interface.
- BambooHR software is cloud-based.
- Offers excellent customer support
Why did we picked it?
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software solution that offers HR management tools, including payroll. Provides a simple 3-step payroll solution. The software automates payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance, helping small businesses streamline payroll processes and save time.
This small business payroll app stores employee information such as wages, hours, bank account numbers, employee benefits, deductions, or discounts. It automatically transfers it to the payroll process.
They also have an employee portal so employees can access their payroll information (pay stubs, direct deposit accounts) anytime. Finally, they offer over 100 exportable salary reports.
Key Features:
BambooHR offers payroll functionality as part of its popular HR software. Here are some key features of BambooHR Payroll Software:
Automated Payroll Processing: BambooHR Payroll Software offers automated payroll processing, which helps to eliminate the need for manual data entry and calculation.
Tax Filing and Compliance: The software includes tax filing and compliance features that help to ensure accurate and timely tax payments and filings.
Employee Self-Service: BambooHR Payroll Software includes an employee self-service portal, which allows employees to view their pay stubs, update their personal information, and manage their benefits.
Time and Attendance Tracking: The software includes time and attendance tracking features, which allow employees to clock in and out and help track hours worked.
Customizable Reporting: BambooHR Payroll Software includes customizable reporting features, which allow businesses to generate reports on payroll data, taxes, and compliance.
Integration with BambooHR HRIS: BambooHR Payroll Software integrates seamlessly with BambooHR HRIS, allowing a unified HR and payroll system.
Pricing:
BambooHR offers two pricing editions: Advantage starting at $8.75 per month, and Essentials starting at $5.25 per month. Advantage provides advanced HR management tools, while Essentials offers core HR functionalities. A free trial is available for users to explore the software’s features before committing to a subscription.
Customer Support:
BambooHR offers excellent customer support, including live chat, phone, and email support. The company also offers a knowledge base, FAQs, and video tutorials to help users get started with the software.
👍 Pros
- Everything is well-organized and easy to learn and use.
- The system automates, centralizes, and connects all data in one place.
- It offers a one-stop shop to manage employee data and measure employee experience and performance.
- With BambooHR, your productivity is maximized, and you can focus on growing people.
👎 Cons
- BambooHR Payroll Software is only available as an add-on to BambooHR's HRIS
- which means you must purchase the HRIS to access the payroll features
- BambooHR Payroll Software is not suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs
- Email with 2-3 business day response time
09. Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is a budget-friendly payroll software with tax compliance, direct deposit, and payroll reporting features.
Rating:
4.0 Very Good
- Automated payroll tax calculations and filings
- Direct deposit and paper check options
- Mobile app for payroll management on-the-go
Why did we picked it?
Patriot Payroll Software is a popular choice for many business owners regarding small business payroll software. With its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, it’s no wonder why users highly rate this software.
They were founded in Canton, Ohio, in 2002 after founder Michael Kappel tasked his team with developing easy-to-use and efficient payroll software. Since then, Patriot has grown to offer accounting software. Given Kappel’s experience as a startup founder, having founded five software companies independently, Patriot emphasizes providing simple and affordable software for America’s small businesses. As of October 2020, Patriot had 148 employees in nine states.
Patriot Payroll software simplifies payroll processing and offers a range of features, including tax filings, direct deposit, and time tracking. Additionally, Patriot Payroll Software complies with federal and state payroll tax regulations, ensuring your business stays on the right side of the law.
Key Features:
Here are the key features of Patriot Payroll Software:
Direct Deposit: Patriot Payroll Software allows employers to pay their employees via direct deposit, saving time and reducing the risk of errors associated with paper checks.
Tax Filings: The software includes tax filing features that help businesses comply with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
Time and Attendance Tracking: The software includes time and attendance tracking features that help businesses to track their employees’ hours accurately worked, vacation and sick time, and overtime.
Employee Self-Service Portal: Patriot Payroll Software includes an employee self-service portal, which allows employees to access their pay stubs, view their time off balances, and update their personal information.
Customizable Pay Schedules: The software allows businesses to create customizable pay schedules to match their unique payroll needs. Employers can pay their employees weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on a custom schedule.
Mobile App: Patriot Payroll Software includes a mobile app for on-the-go access. The app allows businesses to manage their payroll from anywhere and gives employees access to pay stubs and time off balances.
Pricing:
Patriot Payroll Software offers two pricing plans for businesses:
Basic Payroll: Priced at $17 per month plus $4 per employee or contractor, this plan enables users to run payroll and handle their tax filings.
Full Service Payroll: Available at $37 per month plus $4 per employee or contractor, this plan allows users to run payroll independently while entrusting the payroll tax filings to Patriot’s experts.
Both plans provide businesses with the tools to process payroll and efficiently manage employee or contractor compensation.
These pricing options ensure flexibility for businesses to choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget.
Customer Support:
Patriot Payroll Software offers customer support through phone and email during business hours. While some users have reported slow response times, the company has generally received positive reviews for its customer service.
👍 Pros
- Affordable pricing plans
- Easy-to-use interface
- Automated tax calculations and filings
- Available payroll reports and analytics
- Mobile app for payroll management on-the-go
👎 Cons
- Limited integration options with other software
- Some users have reported glitches and errors with the software
- Customer support can be slow to respond to inquiries
10. Paycor
Paycor Payroll Software is a popular payroll solution designed for small businesses.
Rating:
4.2 Excellent
- Standout feature: intuitive user interface.
- Easy navigation, with all payroll information in one place.
- Time and attendance tracking.
Why did we picked it?
Paycor Software is a feature-rich cloud-based payroll solution for small businesses. It simplifies payroll by automating time-consuming tasks, reducing errors, and ensuring tax compliance.
Paycor empowers leaders to build winning teams. Paycor’s Human Capital Management (HCM) platform modernizes all aspects of workforce management, from recruiting, onboarding, and payroll to career development and retention. Paycor stands apart in its focus on leaders.
Paycor has been listening to and collaborating with leaders for over 30 years. We know they need a unified HR platform, easy integration with third-party applications, powerful analytics, development software, and technology. Talents. Configurable and compatible with specific industries. Needs. That’s why over 29,000 customers trust Paycor to help them solve problems and achieve their goals.
Key Features:
Here are the key features of Paycor:
Employee Self-Service: With Paycor’s employee self-service feature, employees can access their payroll information, pay stubs, and W-2 forms online.
Time and Attendance: Paycor’s time and attendance feature helps you manage employee hours, time-off requests, and scheduling. It includes online timesheets, time clocks, and scheduling tools.
HR and Benefits: Paycor’s HR and benefits feature allows you to manage your employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
Reporting and Analytics: Paycor’s reporting and analytics feature provides insights into your payroll and HR data. It includes customizable reports, dashboards, and analytics tools.
Mobile App: Paycor offers a mobile app for both employers and employees. The app allows employers to manage payroll and HR tasks on the go, while employees can access their payroll information and time-off requests from their mobile devices.
Integrations: Paycor integrates with various third-party software, including accounting software, time and attendance systems, and applicant tracking systems.
Pricing:
Paycor does not publicly disclose pricing information for its products and services. To obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing details, contact Paycor directly. They will be able to provide you with the most relevant and current pricing information based on your specific requirements and business needs.
Customer Support:
Paycor Payroll Software offers a range of customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat. The company also has a comprehensive online knowledge base with articles, videos, and tutorials to help users troubleshoot common issues. However, some users have reported long wait times when contacting customer support.
👍 Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- User-friendly and intuitive
- Offers HR and benefits administration
- A one-stop-shop for all payroll needs
👎 Cons
- Issues with customer support reported by some users
- Limited integrations with other business software
Additional Features of Payroll Software.
As businesses expand and payroll processing becomes increasingly complex, payroll software has become indispensable for managing employee compensation. While payroll software calculates employee paychecks and taxes, modern payroll software includes various features that make it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes. Some of the additional payroll software features businesses can use to streamline their payroll processing and improve their HR practices. Included:
Automatic Tax Withholding:
Calculating and withholding taxes is one of the most time-consuming tasks of payroll processing. Payroll software automates this process by automatically calculating and withholding taxes from employee paychecks. This saves time and helps ensure that taxes are calculated accurately, reducing the risk of costly errors.
Direct Deposit:
Another popular feature of payroll software is direct deposit. With direct deposit, employee paychecks are automatically deposited into their bank accounts, eliminating the need for paper checks. This saves time and money and makes payroll processing more secure, as there is no risk of lost or stolen checks.
Payroll Reports:
Payroll software can also generate various payroll reports, giving businesses insight into their payroll data. Payroll reports can include employee earnings, taxes paid, and benefits deductions. These reports can help businesses make informed decisions about their payroll practices, such as adjusting employee compensation or benefits.
W-2 and 1099 Forms:
At the year’s end, businesses must provide their employees W-2 and 1099 forms for tax purposes. Payroll software can generate these forms automatically, saving businesses time and ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax regulations.
Time Tracking:
Payroll software can also include time-tracking features, allowing businesses to track employee hours and calculate overtime pay. This saves time and helps ensure that employees are paid accurately for their time worked.
HR Support:
Many payroll software solutions offer HR support, providing businesses access to HR professionals who can assist with employee onboarding, benefits administration, and other HR tasks. This can be especially useful for small businesses that may not have a dedicated HR department.
Compliance Assistance:
Payroll software can help businesses comply with various federal and state payroll regulations. This includes tax compliance and compliance with laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). By staying compliant, businesses can avoid costly fines and legal issues.
The Best Way to Use a Payroll Service.
Managing payroll can be time-consuming and stressful for small business owners. One solution is to use a payroll software service to automate your payroll process. But what’s the best way to use a payroll service for your small business? Here are some tips to make the most of your payroll software:
Please choose the right payroll software: There are many options available, so it’s important to choose one that fits the needs of your business. Consider factors like the size of your business, the complexity of your payroll needs, and your budget when selecting payroll software.
Input accurate employee data: The accuracy of your payroll calculations depends on the accuracy of the data you input. Ensure to correctly enter employee information, including their hours worked, overtime pay, and other relevant information.
Please keep track of tax changes: Tax laws and regulations change frequently, so staying up-to-date with any changes affecting your payroll is important. A good payroll software service should provide updates to ensure you comply with tax regulations.
Use direct deposit: Direct deposit is a secure and efficient way to pay your employees. It eliminates the need for paper checks and saves time and money on payroll processing.
Keep records: Keep track of all payroll records, including employee pay stubs, tax forms, and other relevant documents. This will help you stay organized and in compliance with regulations.
These tips will make the most of your payroll software service and streamline your payroll process. With the right payroll software and proper use, you can save time and reduce stress while ensuring your employees are paid accurately and on time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when choosing the right payroll software solution for your small business, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget. Be sure to compare each option’s features, pricing, and customer support to find the best fit for your business. Your small business can significantly benefit from implementing the right payroll software solution. It can save you time and money, and ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. It can also improve payroll processing accuracy.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve summarized the top 10 payroll software solutions for small businesses based on their features, pricing, and customer reviews. Each solution offers unique features and benefits, so it’s essential to consider your business’s specific needs and budget when choosing the right one.
After our research and analysis, we highly recommend Gusto as the best payroll software for small businesses. Gusto offers a comprehensive range of payroll features, including tax filing, direct deposit, and employee self-service, at an affordable price. Additionally, Gusto has received excellent customer reviews for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is payroll software?
Payroll software is a tool that helps small business owners manage their payroll processes. It typically includes features like calculating employee pay, calculating taxes, and generating payroll reports.
What are the benefits of using payroll software?
The benefits of using payroll software include increased accuracy, time, and cost savings. Payroll software can also help ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.
How much does payroll software cost?
The cost of payroll software varies depending on the features and number of employees. Some payroll software providers charge a flat fee, while others charge per employee or per payroll cycle.
How do I choose the right payroll software for my business?
When choosing payroll software for your small business, consider your specific needs and budget. Look for software that includes your needed features, such as direct deposit or tax calculations. You may also want to read reviews or get recommendations from other small business owners.
Is payroll software easy to use?
Most payroll software is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who are not payroll experts. Many software providers offer customer support and training to help you get started.
Can payroll software integrate with other business software?
Many payroll software providers offer integrations with other business software, such as accounting or time-tracking software. This can help streamline your business processes and save you time.
