Best Payroll Software
Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 32+Sources used
- 16Companies vetted
- 5Features reviewed
- 10Top
Picks
- Easily integrate with your existing systems
- Ask if it's up to date with applicable legislation
- Make sure payslips can be securely transmitted
- Establish the level of analysis you require
How we analyzed the best Payroll Software Providers
Our list of the best Payroll Software Providers
- Additional Companies:
- Wave
- BuyerZone
- IOIPay
- Payroll1
- zenpayroll
- TRAXPayroll
- ProPayroll
- Sage
- Patriot Software
More insight into our methodology
Payroll Processes
Traditional payroll (email, fax, call-in)
Web-based payroll
Electronic transfers of payroll data
Receive live payroll reports
Tax features
Direct deposits
Check printing
Employee Self-service
Payroll software does not only make it easier for managers to handle payroll processes, it should also promote better transparency by giving employees access to this information.
- View, print employee paystubs and payroll details
- Access to tax information (deductions, taxable income, net pay total)
- View benefits
- Access to pay statements
- Benefits (overtime hours, available vacation and sick leave)
Reporting
Information is a valuable tool in business, and having the ability to transform your data into reports is essential. We look at payroll software that has a variety of reporting features. This gives businesses the ability to track and manage payroll expenses.
- Payroll at a glance
- New hire reports
- General ledger positioning
- Payroll funding
- Audit reports
- Online payroll and tax reports
Tax Features
One of the most essential tasks for any payroll manager, payroll software with tax features make this difficult task easier and simpler. Just like many of today's tax preparation software, features include an accurate tax guarantee and automated tax filing. This should also include tax services for not only regular employes, but contractors and seasonal employees as well.
- W2 employees
- 1099 contractors
- Electronic tax filing
- Print tax forms for employees
- Federal, State tax forms
- Automated tax payments
- Quarterly tax returns and reports
- Annual tax returns and reports
Payment Services
Your payroll software should offer a variety of employee payment solutions. This includes direct deposit, pay cards and check payment options. The nature of your business and how salaries are computed have a direct correlation with your payroll scheduling.
- Direct deposit
- Print checks
- Pay cards
Industry Applications
It is possible to purchase customized payroll software for any industry but this could cost you more. A payroll software that can work with a variety of industries ensures that this system can be used without major modifications. All payroll software have the same basic functionalities. It collects employee work data (hours worked, overtime, benefits) and computes compensation (salary). Special cases such as project based businesses, or those with seasonal employees, require payroll software that addresses these needs.
Platform
A variety of deployment options gives businesses the flexibility to work with existing equipment or systems they have. Cloud-based payroll solutions are the easiest to integrate since this only require a stable internet connection.
- On-premise
- Software
- Cloud-based
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Services
Getting help when you need it is essential, and the best payroll software services offer a variety of customer support options. This includes email, online chat, dedicated support lines and expert help.
- Dedicated customer support lines
- Live chat
- Account experts
Helpful information about Payroll Software
Payroll software are any programs designed to automate the task of paying a company’s employees. They are beneficial because they can reduce the number of man hours associated with processing this manually, while allowing employees to play an oversight role on the backend, ensuring all is being calculated correctly.
Payroll software programs are great for companies that not only want to reduce the monthly or bi-monthly time expenditure, but also to bolster corporate transparency. Programs also enable employees to electronically view their paystubs, and visualize tax and benefit breakdowns.
When selecting a specific payroll software program, make sure to consider those features that would most make an accountant’s life easier. For instance, many options will guarantee flawless tax calculation and filing. This should hold true for federal, state, and local taxes.
Before you decide on your payroll software package, you’re going to want to consider the following. Does the software allow direct deposit, check printing, and pay cards? Is the platform cloud-based, on-premise, or otherwise? Is the total rate match the same as was initially quoted?
FAQs about Payroll Software
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Our Payroll Software Review Summed Up
Company Name | Best For |
---|---|
Intuit Payroll Software | Best for Quickbooks integration |
Sage HRMS Payroll Software | Great for In-house and outsource payroll solutions in both U.S. and Canada |
Paychex Payroll Software | Features dedicated payroll specialists |
zenpayroll Payroll Software | Ideal for multiple platform integrations: FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero |