Payroll software is a critical decision for any small business because keeping a high-functioning team requires accurate and timely payments to your employees. There are many different types of software available, ranging from free apps with basic functions to premium systems with HR add-ons. In this article, we enlist some of the best small business payroll software in 2022.
Gusto leads this list as one of the best software with the most features at affordable prices. Small firms can use our payroll, HR platforms and other benefits for as little as $45 per month. There are offers for a contractor-only plan with no upfront costs and a $6 per worker monthly fee.
If you ask me, “what is the best payroll software?”, then the answer would be, that Gusto Payroll is the best payroll software for small businesses.
1. Gusto Payroll
Gusto’s payroll is full-service and available in all versions. You’ll acquire more features as you progress through the higher tiers of the payment plans.
The monthly base price is $39. It is $6 per employee. Gusto Core is the most affordable package. The following features are included in every plan offered by Gusto:
- Payroll runs indefinitely.
- Self-service options for employees with lifelong access
- Administration of medical benefits
- The Administration of workers’ compensation
- Live customer service is available via email, phone and chat.
- Integrations for time tracking, accounting and other services
2. QuickBooks Payroll
Another popular alternative for small organisations is QuickBooks Payroll. Quickbooks Payroll cannot be missed when we are talking about the best small business payroll software in 2022. It will be simple to add payroll if you currently use this accounting software to handle your finances. This payroll software can be activated using QuickBooks online.
Three versions of QuickBooks Payroll Core can be chosen from, starting at $45 per month + $4 per person. QuickBooks Payroll Premium is $75 per month plus $8 per person. QuickBooks Payroll Elite is available for $125 per month plus $10 per person. To lower the initial cost of the plans, a 50% discount on the three month base price may be given.
The Core package includes the following features with full-service:
- Payroll runs indefinitely.
- Bank transfer (next day)
- Filing and paying state and federal payroll taxes
- Employee intranet
- Expert payroll assistance
- Payroll statements
- 401(k) plans and health benefits
- The Premium package includes features like employee services and HR support. This package includes the core plan and the following extras:
- Direct deposit same-day
- The Administration of workers’ compensation
- Timekeeping on the go
QuickBooks has no restrictions on users using their payroll software. It can be used by enterprises of whatever size, including those with only one employee.
3. Patriot Payroll
Patriot Software Payroll is another one of the best options when it comes to making the list of best payroll software for small businesses. The programme is available in two versions, both of which come with a 30-day free trial period.
The base plan is $10 per month which comes to around $4 per employee or contractor. Patriot includes features of a standard payroll, except for payment and reporting. You are responsible for paying and filing payroll taxes. The following features of payroll management are included:
Payroll runs are unlimited, and you can choose between printing checks or direct deposits.
integrations for workers’ compensation, time management and accounting on the employee portal. The full-Service version of this payroll includes tax features, and is the other Patriot choice. The monthly fee is $30 which comes to $4 per contractor or employee. All base features are available, as well as the following:
- Filing and paying state, federal, and local taxes
- W-2s and other year-end tax filings for the payroll
- Tax filing correctness is guaranteed.
- Patriot is for those companies with 100 employees or less. If you employ 100 people or more or anticipate doing so soon, it may not be suitable.
4. Payroll4Free
Consider Payroll4Free if you are looking for a completely free payroll solution. You can use basic payroll functions for free if you have less than 25 employees to pay.
The following are some basic features:
- Employee and contractor payroll processing
- Checks or direct bank account deposits.
- Calculate state, federal and municipal taxes, as well as file for a fixed amount as fee.
- tracking of time
- Employee accessibility
- Customer support and exporting the payroll data
You could pay $30 per month to have a Payroll4Free deposit and file your taxes, in addition to the basic capabilities. Also, instead of your own bank account, direct fund deposits to the accounts of the employees.
5. ADP Payroll Automatic Data Processing
ADP, a well-known brand in the world of business software, particularly as the standout for the best payroll software for small businesses. Their payroll product for small firms is known as ADP Run with 49 employees or less. Under the Workforce Now offering, ADP also offers payroll plans for companies with more than 50 employees.
- Essential
- Enhanced
- Complete
- HR Pro
The four Run packages available are;
As you progress through to higher tiers, more features become available. ADP provides customized quotes and does not provide pricing online.
The Run Essential or base package includes the following features:
- Payroll is managed via a computer, a phone, and a mobile device.
- Payroll distribution and direct deposit
- Registration and payment of taxes
- HR and payroll reporting
- Employee accessibility
- Onboarding new employees
- Discounts for employees
- The Run Enhanced plan includes extra payroll and HR functions
6. OnPay Payroll
When you need free help switching payroll firms, including the movement of your data, including the movement of payroll data from previous periods, OnPay has a single plan with a price that may be found on their website. The monthly fee is $36, plus $4 per person, with the first month free.
Because you’re only billed for the people you actually pay during the month, OnPay may be a good fit for your business if you’re paying contractors or part-time employees. Before performing payroll, you choose the workers you wish to pay and then enter their hours or earnings.
OnPay Payroll includes the following features:
- Monthly runs on the payroll are unlimited.
- 1099 and W-2 form filing and payments.
- a paper check, a direct deposit, or a debit card.
- Employee self-onboarding and account access for life
- Integrations with accounting or other software
- Support is provided via phone, email and chat.
- Monday to Friday, phone, chat and email support are available.
7. Paychex Flex Payroll
Paychex Flex has a number of programs for developing enterprises. You can begin with a lower-tier plan and upgrade to a more expensive and robust one as needed. Paychex Flex Essentials is the most basic option, with a monthly base price of $39 plus $5 per employee. Quote-based pricing is offered for Paychex Flex Select, Paychex Flex Pro, and Paychex Flex Enterprise, which offer more sophisticated capabilities.
These features are included in all four Paychex plans:
- Direct deposit and payroll services
- Tax preparation services:
- Workers’ compensation insurance for new hires is available at an additional fee.
- Support is available by phone and chats around the clock.
- Documents in the HR library
You get more services with the Select and Pro options, such as a dedicated payroll consultant to assist you with tax or payroll concerns. One disadvantage of Paychex Flex is that pricing for all plans is not readily displayed on their website, making it difficult to compare services.
