Find the Best Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses

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Top 15 Small Business Payroll Software

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Gusto HR Software

Gusto HR Software

4.4509 Review(s)

Gusto HR streamlines payroll and benefits for small businesses. It handles all aspects of compensation, including automatic tax calculations, onboarding tools, and expert-guided benefits selection. While customer service has room for improvement, Gusto remains an affordable, full-service HR management and compliance solution.
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Paycor Software

Paycor Software

4.3161 Review(s)

Paycor's cutting-edge human resource software revolutionizes payroll management to a whole new level for businesses. Offering features such as automated payroll processing, tax compliance, and advanced reporting, it empowers organizations to streamline operations, minimize errors, and maximize efficiency. Level up your payroll processes with Paycor-seize the opportunity for improvement now!
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OnPay Payroll

OnPay Payroll

4.756 Review(s)

With its all-in-one solution, OnPay Payroll simplifies payroll, HR, and benefits for small businesses. It effortlessly handles complex tasks like payroll and tax filings and employee onboarding. However, some users mention that the documentation feature could be improved. Nonetheless, OnPay Payroll offers seamless functionality to streamline operations.
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Paylocity HR

Paylocity HR & Payroll

4.3100 Review(s)

Backed by 41 reviews and a strong 4-star rating at Software Finder, Paylocity stands out as a trusted choice for businesses seeking top-notch HR solutions and seamless payroll management. Discover how companies streamline their operations and boost efficiency with a platform designed to simplify every aspect of HR and payroll.
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Patriot Payroll

Patriot Payroll

51 Review

Patriot Payroll software is your key to streamlined payroll processing. Offering automated payroll calculations, tax compliance, and employee self-service, it simplifies payroll management, reduces errors, and saves time. Revolutionize your payroll processes with Patriot - take control of your business's finances today!
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Paychex Flex

Paychex Flex

3.879 Review(s)

Paychex Flex is a feature-rich human capital management (HCM) platform catering to businesses of all sizes. It streamlines essential HR functions, including job costing, applicant tracking, onboarding, and automated compliance checks. While its customer support can be improved, the platform effectively boosts operational efficiency and minimizes administrative tasks.
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adp

RUN Powered By ADP

51 Review

RUN Powered By ADP software is a powerful HR and payroll solution that simplifies workforce management. With features like payroll processing, employee self-service, and compliance support, it empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and save time. Elevate your HR and payroll functions with RUN Powered By ADP - get
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Papaya Global

Papaya Global

21 Review

Discover Papaya Global, the best global solution for simplifying HR operations. Its focus on payroll management and compliance alleviates the complexities of workforce management worldwide. Despite minor navigation challenges reported by some users, its comprehensive payroll features make Papaya Global a top choice for any company operating across borders.
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Zenefits

Zenefits

4.6130 Review(s)

Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that simplifies compliance and people management for growing businesses. It intelligently handles payroll processing, benefits administration, and other HR functions through an intuitive interface. Although customer support can be slow, its intuitive tools and robust security make it a compelling choice.
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SurePayrol-logo

SurePayroll

4.525 Review(s)

With a 6 month free trial for new 12 month subscribers, affordable pricing and easy integration with various popular accounting softwares, SurePayroll by Paychex aims to simplify payroll management for small businesses, offering a balance of automation, compliance support, and user-friendly features to help owners focus on running their businesses
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Hourly

Hourly

4.34 Review(s)

Struggling to manage time tracking and payroll effectively? Explore Hourly, an efficient solution with an intuitive interface that simplifies complex operations. Streamline your processes for enhanced efficiency and focus on what matters most in your business. Discover Hourly features today.
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isolved logo

isolved HCM

3.9553 Review(s)

isolved HCM is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that helps businesses transform employee experience, assisting organizations in engaging, empowering, and energizing their talent. Even though performance reviews take some time to adjust, its robust reporting capabilities and seamless integration options make it a trusted choice for HR, payroll, and benefits professionals.
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BambooHR Software

BambooHR

4.3257 Review(s)

As a comprehensive human resource software, BambooHR's primary appeal lies in its full-suite functionality. It connects with various tools, providing an end-to-end solution for the entire employee lifecycle. The platform's pricing models are flexible to fit specific needs, which makes it a scalable solution. However, like most full-suite HR vendors,
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Paycom

Paycom

4.5251 Review(s)

Paycom revolutionizes HR and payroll with fully automated, employee-first technology that supports every stage of employment. Paycom’s single database combines all HR and payroll data in one place, providing a seamless and accurate experience without the errors and inefficiencies associated with integrating multiple systems. Recognized globally for its innovation and
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Calamari HR Software

Calamari HR Software

4.5236 Review(s)

Calamari streamlines HR tasks with its leave management and clock in/out modules. It simplifies PTO calculation and attendance tracking. While some users note a learning curve, its robust features, including iBeacon technology and QR code scanning, enhance efficiency. Try it and experience seamless HR operations.
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Small Business Payroll Software Buyers Guide

Small business payroll software is a specialized system that simplifies the administration of employee wages, taxes, and benefits by offering extensive automated functionalities. Tailored to cater to the requirements of small businesses, these tools ensure payroll accuracy, optimize operations and help stay compliant with tax laws.

Features like direct deposit, automated tax filing, and self-service portals for employees save time and reduce the HR department’s burdens, making managers focus on business growth and strategy making. Moreover, these tools are a go-to solution for small business owners, HR professionals, and accountants looking to simplify daily tasks.

So, whether you're managing a startup or a small enterprise, payroll software offers reliability and efficiency, perfectly suited for businesses with limited staff and financial resources. Let's explore further details about small business payroll software in this guide! 

Top Features Of Small Business Payroll Software

1. Automated Payroll Processing

Automation in payroll processing ensures complete accuracy for small businesses looking forward to payroll software. The tools provide the ability to make complicated calculations such as leave allowances, bonuses, overtime pay, and others at ease. It not only saves time for small businesses but also eliminates the need for manual work.

2. Tax Compliance And Filing

Complying with tax laws and filing in a timely manner is necessary for businesses to safeguard their operations from possible legal issues. Most of the small business payroll software offers built-in compatibility for effective and timely adherence to such matters.  

Forms like W-2s, 1099s, 941s, and others are generated systematically, ensuring accurate tax deductions and return filling. It is a high-utility feature for small businesses that might have limited resources to acquire dedicated tax lawyer services.

3. Employee Self-Service

Self-service portals in small business payroll systems provide employees with instant access to information immediately regardless of the location. Employees can save pay slips, download tax documents, update banking details, and track paid time off (PTO). As a result, it streamlines processes and enhances and improves satisfaction for both HR managers and employees.

4. Accounting Tool Integration Options

Integration with external accounting software is the top functionality of these platforms, as it fosters robust connectivity between the employee databases and the accounting department. Also, it significantly reduces the need for manual data entry and eases the pressure on the HR teams. The seamless integration enables the finance managers to assess future payroll requirements and create decisions accordingly.

5. Customizable Reporting Templates

Comprehensive payroll reporting gives businesses real-time data understanding of their payroll procedures. With customizable templates, HR teams are enabled to generate detailed reports on employee salaries, overtime hours, tax adherences, and other important metrics. Many advanced tools also include visual dashboards, making it easy to analyze payroll performance quickly.

What To Look For In A Small Business Payroll Software?

  • Compliance Management: Pick a tool that ensures robust compliance adherence to prevent potential legal and regulatory issues for your business.
  • Ease Of Use: Consider a solution with straightforward usability that requires minimal setup and little to no training for seamless adoption.
  • Pricing: Decide on a platform that offers flexible pricing options, aligning with your business's financial goals, capacity, and budget.
  • Scalability Options: Invest in an application capable of growing alongside your business.
  • Training Guides: Choose a system with reliable vendor support, including trial periods, demos, and comprehensive training materials for easy learning.

Benefits Of Small Business Payroll Software

  • Error Reduction: Automations in the workflows and payroll tasks eliminate the need for manual paperwork, resulting in minimizing errors in salary and tax calculations.
  • Cost Optimization: These tools enable businesses to have in-house digital payroll services rather than hiring extra staff or incorporating third-party payroll services, saving tons of cost.
  • Time-Saving: Fast procedures through these tools free up time for HR managers and businesses to have a greater focus on strategy creation.
  • Secure Data Storage: Extensive encryption and cloud-enabled storage options ensure high safety of sensitive workforce data.
  • Personalized Workflows: Comprehensive customization and tailoring as per business requirements make things easier for HR managers, improving their efficiencies.

Best Small Business Payroll Software By Industry

  • Retail Companies: These businesses can rely on Gusto HR software and Paychex Flex as top-notch payroll solutions. Gusto HR streamlines payroll with features like automated tax filing and time tracking, making it ideal for small teams. Paychex, on the other hand, offers scalable options designed for growing retailers, including advanced employee management tools and support to simplify compliance with labor laws.
  • Healthcare Organizations: In the healthcare industry, ADP Workforce Now and QuickBooks are two of the top choices. ADP excels with its robust tools for benefits administration, compliance with healthcare regulations, and workforce management, making it well-suited for clinics and hospitals. QuickBooks Payroll ensures HIPAA compliance, handles payroll for shift-based roles, and automates tax filing, easing the burden of administrative tasks.
  • Tech Startups: Tech startups can benefit from the innovative capabilities of Rippling HR and Zenefits. Rippling combines payroll, IT, and HR management into a unified platform, making it easy to manage employees, devices, and software in one place. Zenefits provides an all-in-one solution for payroll and benefits, helping startups scale operations efficiently while keeping costs under control.
  • Hospitality Businesses: For these business types, SurePayroll and Paycor software offer tailored payroll solutions. SurePayroll is great for small restaurants and cafes, with features like flexible payroll options. Paycor stands out for its ability to handle complex labor working hours, hourly-based pay structures, and compliance needs, making it a strong choice for hotels and broader hospitality operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions to help you better understand the product, features, and services.

The best payroll software varies depending on your needs. Still, the top choices include Gusto HR software, QuickBooks Payroll, and ADP Workforce Now, all of which offer reliable features for small business management.

Absolutely! Most payroll tools handle tax calculations automatically, assist with filings, and generate essential tax forms like W-2s, simplifying compliance for your business. 

Pricing depends on the features and number of users, with multiple pricing plans making them accessible for small businesses as well.

Yes, many payroll platforms work seamlessly with popular accounting tools, ensuring smoother financial management.

Reputable payroll solutions prioritize security by using encryption and providing regular software updates, keeping your sensitive data safe.