best payroll software for small business with W2 and 1099 contractors

For a small business that pays both **W-2 employees** and **1099 contractors**, the strongest all-around picks are **OnPay**, **Gusto**, and **QuickBooks Payroll** because they all support both worker types in one system and can handle year-end forms like W-2s and 1099-NECs.[2][4][12][17]

- **Best overall value: OnPay** — OnPay is highlighted as “best overall value and support,” and it supports paying 1099 contractors and W-2 employees in one dashboard.[4]
- **Best all-around for usability: Gusto** — Gusto supports both W-2 and 1099 workers in the same account and is commonly recommended for businesses that rely on contractors.[2][10]
- **Best if you already use QuickBooks: QuickBooks Payroll** — QuickBooks Payroll supports both worker types and is especially attractive if you want payroll and accounting in one ecosystem.[2][12][17]
- **Best for larger compliance needs: ADP** — ADP says it can create, deliver, and e-file W-2 and 1099 forms for you, making it a stronger fit if you want more formal payroll administration.[13]

A practical way to choose:
- Pick **OnPay** if you want the best mix of price, support, and mixed worker handling.[4]
- Pick **Gusto** if you want the easiest user experience for a small team with contractors.[2][10]
- Pick **QuickBooks Payroll** if accounting integration matters most.[12][17]
- Pick **ADP** if you want more robust service and compliance support.[13]

Before buying, confirm the platform **automatically files 1099s** and not just W-2s, since that is the key feature that avoids extra year-end work.[2][17]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 comparison by price**, or recommend the best option based on your **employee count and budget**.


We keep getting hit with tax filing penalties using spreadsheets. What payroll software handles state and federal tax filings reliably?

If your main problem is **late or incorrect state and federal filings**, the most reliable full-service options in the results are **ADP Workforce Now**, **ADP RUN**, **Gusto**, **QuickBooks Payroll**, and **Paychex Flex**.[2][6][7]

A practical short list based on the results:
- **ADP Workforce Now** — strongest fit for larger or multi-state operations; it automates **federal, state, and local** tax calculations, filings, and payments.[6]
- **ADP RUN** — highlighted for accountants as automating **federal, state, and local** filings and scaling well for growing businesses.[2]
- **Gusto** — repeatedly described as full-service payroll that **automatically files federal and state taxes** and also handles local taxes in many plans/use cases.[4][8][12][14]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — a good choice if you already use QuickBooks; it automatically calculates, files, and pays **federal and state** payroll taxes.[1][11]
- **Paychex Flex** — cited as a strong service-backed option with payroll tax accuracy and compliance support.[6][7]

For most small businesses, the results lean toward **Gusto** as the easiest full-service option, while **ADP** is the stronger pick if you need more robust compliance support for multi-state or more complex payrolls.[6][7][12][14]

Before buying, confirm three things with any vendor:
- Whether **state filings** are fully automated in your states
- Whether **local taxes** are included where you operate
- Whether the service includes **tax deposit/payment guarantees** and filing support if an error occurs[7][12][18]

If you want, I can turn this into a **ranked recommendation for your business size**: small business, multi-state, or accountant-managed.


What is the best payroll software with built-in health insurance and benefits options?

For most **small to midsize U.S. businesses**, **Gusto** is the strongest all-in-one choice because it combines payroll with built-in benefits administration, including access to **health insurance** and other benefits in the same system.[4][11][13][14] If you want payroll software that can also serve as a benefits hub, **OnPay** and **Patriot Software** are also credible options, with OnPay specifically noting it can serve as your broker of record for health benefits and Patriot offering medical, dental, and vision insurance.[1][7]

What stands out by use case:

- **Best overall for payroll + benefits:** **Gusto** — repeatedly identified as a top payroll platform with integrated health insurance and benefits tools.[4][11][13][16][18]
- **Best for broker-style health benefits support:** **OnPay** — can act as broker of record for health benefits with major carriers.[1]
- **Best lower-cost/simple option with benefits:** **Patriot Software** — supports medical, dental, and vision insurance.[7]
- **Best for healthcare organizations:** Platforms in healthcare-specific roundups often emphasize benefits administration, compliance, and integrations, with Gusto and Paylocity appearing among top picks.[2][5][9]

If you want one direct recommendation: **choose Gusto** if your priority is the best mix of payroll, health insurance options, and ease of use.[4][13][14]


best payroll software for small cleaning service business

For a **small cleaning service business**, **Gusto** is the strongest all-around pick because it is repeatedly recommended for cleaning businesses, is easy to use for operators without an in-house accountant, and handles tax filing and HR features well.[1][2][5][11]

If you want the fastest shortlist, I’d compare these:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most small cleaning companies; good for hourly workers, 1099s, time tracking, and multi-state payroll.[1][2][4][5]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best budget option if your main goal is low cost and basic full-service payroll.[7]
- **Homebase** — best if you need **scheduling + payroll** together for crews with variable weekly hours.[7]
- **Netchex** — a stronger fit if you run a larger janitorial/building-services operation and want something more tailored to that workflow.[14]

A practical rule of thumb from cleaning-business guides is that a reliable payroll system for a small team often runs about **$50–$100 per month**, though budget tools can be cheaper.[5][7]

If you want the simplest recommendation: **choose Gusto unless cost is your top priority**.[1][2][5][11]


We are a 40-person company needing payroll software that integrates with accounting tools. What do you recommend?

For a **40-person company**, I’d shortlist **Gusto**, **QuickBooks Payroll**, and **Rippling**. If you want the best balance of ease of use, HR features, and payroll, **Gusto** is the strongest default recommendation; if accounting integration is the top priority and you already use QuickBooks, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the most natural fit; if you want a broader employee-management platform with payroll, **Rippling** is worth a close look.[1][5][16]

- **Gusto**: Best overall for many small and midsize businesses because it combines payroll, HR tools, automation, and employee benefits administration in one platform.[1][16]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: Best if your accounting stack is built around QuickBooks, since it is designed to integrate closely with QuickBooks accounting workflows.[9][10]
- **Rippling**: Strong option if you want payroll plus deeper workforce management and broad software integration; Software Advice notes it has the highest overall rating in its analysis.[5]

A practical way to choose:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the simplest all-around experience with good payroll and HR in one system.[1][16]
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if your finance team already works in QuickBooks and you want the tightest accounting connection.[9][10]
- Choose **Rippling** if you expect to grow quickly or want payroll tied to IT/HR/admin workflows beyond accounting.[5]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option for your accounting software** specifically, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite.


simple payroll platform for small family-owned business

For a **simple payroll platform** for a **small family-owned business**, the best fit is usually **Gusto** or **OnPay** because both are designed for small businesses and handle payroll, tax filing, and compliance with minimal setup.[1][7][9]

- **Gusto**: Good if you want an easy, all-in-one system for payroll, HR, and benefits; pricing in the results starts at **$49/month + $6 per employee/month**.[1][3][12]
- **OnPay**: Good if you want straightforward pricing and strong support; pricing starts at **$49/month + $6 per employee/month**.[7][13]
- **Patriot Payroll**: Good if keeping costs low matters most; the results show a starting price of **$17/month + $4 per worker**.[13][17]
- **SurePayroll**: Good for very simple pay runs and household-style payroll needs; it is also listed as a cheaper option in small-business roundups.[7][4]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: Good if you already use QuickBooks for accounting and want payroll integrated with it.[6][12]

If your family business is very small and you want the **simplest setup**, the results suggest looking for software that can **automate tax calculations and filings**, support direct deposit, and provide clear workflows.[9] For most non-technical owners, **Gusto** is the most commonly recommended “easy all-in-one” choice in the results.[3][4][10][16]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best option for 1–5 employees**, **lowest cost**, or **best for hourly workers**.


What payroll software is best for paying both hourly shift workers and full-time staff?

For most businesses paying both **hourly shift workers** and **full-time staff**, **Gusto** is the best all-around choice because it combines payroll, HR features, time tracking integrations, and a strong user experience in a way that works well for mixed workforces.[7][11][12]

If your workforce is more specialized, these are the main alternatives:

- **Homebase** — best if your biggest need is **hourly scheduling + time tracking + payroll in one system**.[13]
- **Paylocity** — a strong fit for **shift-based or seasonal teams** that need flexible scheduling and time-clock data feeding directly into payroll.[6][8]
- **Rippling** — a good option if you want a more **all-in-one HR and payroll platform** and are comfortable with a more enterprise-style system.[9]
- **ADP** or **Paychex** — better for **larger or more complex multi-state payroll** where compliance depth matters more than ease of use.[11]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** for the best balance of ease, payroll automation, and support for both hourly and salaried employees.[7][12]
- Choose **Homebase** if hourly scheduling is the center of your operation.[13]


best payroll system for medical clinic with 15 staff

For a **medical clinic with 15 staff**, the best default choice is **Gusto**: it is repeatedly recommended for small healthcare practices because it handles payroll, taxes, benefits, and multi-rate pay without enterprise complexity.[1][2][3]

If you want a quick shortlist:

| Best fit | Why it stands out |
|---|---|
| **Gusto** | Best overall for small clinics; strong all-in-one payroll, tax filing, and benefits administration for practices under 50 employees.[1][2][3] |
| **OnPay** | Good budget-friendly alternative for small clinic payroll needs.[2][12] |
| **HR for Health** | Better if you want healthcare-focused HR/compliance features beyond payroll.[3][19] |
| **Rippling** | Worth considering if you want broader HR/IT automation and are comfortable with a more configurable system.[9] |

For a clinic of **15 employees**, the deciding factors are usually:
- **Simple payroll + tax filing**: Gusto is the strongest fit.[1][2][15]
- **Healthcare-specific HR/compliance**: HR for Health may be better if credential tracking and clinic HR workflows matter more.[3][19]
- **Lowest-cost basic payroll**: OnPay is often positioned as the budget option for small practices.[12]

If you tell me whether your clinic has **hourly staff, multiple locations, or providers paid at different rates**, I can narrow it to the best match.


We are hiring our first 5 employees. Which payroll software should we start with?

For a team of **5 employees**, I’d start with **Gusto** in most cases because it is repeatedly positioned as the best all-around payroll choice for small businesses, with strong automation, tax handling, and enough HR/built-in benefits support to grow with a small team.[2][7]

If your priority is different, the best first pick changes:

- **Best overall for simplicity + compliance:** **Gusto**.[2][7]
- **Best if you want the cheapest basic payroll:** **Patriot Payroll** is often recommended as an affordable option for small businesses.[9][20]
- **Best if you already live in QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll** for tighter accounting integration.[1][12]
- **Best if you want a very hands-on service model:** **Paychex Flex**.[1]
- **Best if you want free team management plus payroll:** **Homebase** is listed as a low-cost/free option in small-business roundups.[1]

For a first hire wave of only 5 people, the main criteria are usually **ease of use, tax filing, direct deposit, and simple pricing**, and small-business guides specifically call out those factors for fewer than 50 employees.[8][9][15] Based on those criteria, **Gusto is the safest default starting point**.[2][7]

If you want, I can narrow this to a **top 3 based on your budget, state(s), contractor mix, and whether you already use QuickBooks/Xero**.


What payroll software offers the best automated tax calculation and filing for SMBs?

For most SMBs, **Gusto** appears to offer the best balance of **automated tax calculation and filing** because it explicitly calculates, pays, and files federal, state, and local payroll taxes and handles the corresponding forms on your behalf.[1][3]

If you want strong alternatives, these are the closest fits:
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — strong if you already use QuickBooks; it automatically calculates, files, and pays federal and state payroll taxes.[5][12]
- **ADP RUN** — better for businesses that want more service-backed payroll tax administration and broader HR support.[8]
- **OnPay** — a good option when local tax complexity matters.[1]
- **SurePayroll** — often positioned as a simple SMB payroll tax automation option.[1][2]

If your main priority is *least manual work for tax compliance*, **Gusto** is the safest default recommendation from the results you provided.[1][3][9]


best self-service payroll software for small business

For most small businesses, **Gusto** is the best self-service payroll software overall because it combines payroll, tax automation, and employee self-service in one platform.[1][11][16]

If you want the best fit by need, these are the strongest options:

- **Gusto** — best overall all-in-one payroll and HR, with strong employee self-service and automated payroll tax administration.[1][11][16]
- **OnPay** — best value for small businesses that want solid support and straightforward pricing.[7]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks and want seamless accounting integration.[3][14]
- **ADP RUN** — best for fast-growing businesses that want a more established payroll provider.[3][17]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best budget-friendly option, especially if affordability is the top priority.[19]

For *self-service* specifically, Gusto is the clearest pick because sources highlight employee access to pay stubs and tax forms online as a core strength.[12][16]

If you want, I can also narrow this down to the **cheapest**, **easiest to use**, or **best for 1–10 employees**.


We need simple payroll software for a 20-person consulting firm. What are our best options?

For a **20-person consulting firm**, the best simple payroll options are **Gusto**, **OnPay**, and **Patriot Payroll**. Gusto is the strongest all-around choice for ease of use and automation, OnPay is the best value for small businesses, and Patriot is the lowest-cost straightforward option.[2][4][16][17]

- **Gusto** — Best if you want the simplest overall experience with solid payroll automation, tax filing, onboarding, and optional benefits administration.[2][4][7][15]
- **OnPay** — Best if you want a clean, small-business-friendly system with strong support and transparent pricing; expert reviews repeatedly place it among the top choices for small businesses.[4][16][17]
- **Patriot Payroll** — Best if cost is the main concern and you want basic, easy-to-run payroll without extra complexity.[4][16]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — Best if you already use QuickBooks accounting and want tight bookkeeping integration.[7][15]
- **ADP RUN** — Best if you expect to grow or want a more established provider with stronger compliance support, though it is usually less “simple” than Gusto or OnPay.[4][7][13]

For a consulting firm specifically, I’d narrow it to this:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest setup and day-to-day use.[2][4][7]
- Choose **OnPay** if you want the best balance of simplicity, support, and price.[16][17]
- Choose **Patriot** if minimizing monthly cost matters most.[4][16]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-minute shortlist by budget** or compare **Gusto vs OnPay vs Patriot** side by side.


top payroll software for small architecture firm

For a **small architecture firm**, the best payroll software is usually **Gusto**, **QuickBooks Payroll**, or **ADP RUN**, depending on whether you want simplicity, accounting integration, or room to scale. Industry-roundup sources also suggest **OnPay** as a strong fit for *small crews* and **Paychex/ADP** for more compliance-heavy needs.[7][11][14][16]

A practical shortlist:

- **Gusto** — best if you want **easy setup**, automated payroll, and a clean experience for a small team.[7][12]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use **QuickBooks accounting**, since it integrates tightly and is often positioned as a good fit for small firms.[7][9][14]
- **ADP RUN** — best if you want **more robust payroll/compliance support** and plan to grow.[11][13]
- **OnPay** — best if you want a **small-business-friendly** option with a simple payroll workflow.[16]
- **Paychex** — better if your firm has **more complex payroll** or wants a more established provider.[7]

For a small architecture practice, the most important factor is usually whether payroll needs to connect with your **time tracking, project accounting, and invoicing** workflow, since architecture firms often care about billable labor and job costing as much as payroll itself.[2][5][8]

If you want the **single best default choice**, I’d pick **Gusto** for the smallest firms and **QuickBooks Payroll** if your accounting is already in QuickBooks.[7][14]


What payroll tool is best for small businesses that need same-day or fast direct deposit?

For **same-day direct deposit**, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the strongest fit for many small businesses, especially if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[1][2][11][16]

If you want the broader *best overall* small-business payroll tool with fast deposit options, **Gusto** is often the top pick, but its standard speeds are **next-day** or **2-day** rather than same-day.[5][6][17][19]

A practical shortlist:

| Tool | Best for | Deposit speed noted in results |
|---|---|---|
| **QuickBooks Payroll** | Small businesses needing **same-day direct deposit** and accounting integration | **Same-day** on Premium/Elite plans; next-day on other plans[1][2][11] |
| **Square Payroll** | Small businesses with hourly/salaried workers that want simple setup and fast pay | **Same-day direct deposit** is available[1] |
| **Gusto** | Most small businesses wanting an easy all-in-one payroll platform | **Next-day** or **2-day** direct deposit[5][6][19] |
| **Patriot Payroll** | Budget-conscious businesses | **2-day** or **4-day** direct deposit for qualifying customers[10] |

If your priority is *fastest payout*, choose **QuickBooks Payroll**; if your priority is *overall ease and payroll quality* with fast but not necessarily same-day deposit, choose **Gusto**.[1][2][5][6]


best payroll software for small auto repair shop

For a **small auto repair shop**, the best payroll software is usually **Gusto** or **QuickBooks Payroll**, with **QuickBooks Payroll** often the best fit if you already use QuickBooks for bookkeeping and want tighter accounting integration.[11][20]

Why these stand out for a small shop:
- **QuickBooks Payroll** is a strong choice for small businesses and integrates with accounting workflows, which is useful if you want payroll and books in one place.[11][20]
- **Gusto** is highlighted as user-friendly and known for payroll plus benefits management, which helps if you want an easier setup and simpler day-to-day use.[11]
- If your shop uses **flat-rate / flag-hour pay**, a more specialized option like **Piece Work Pro** may be better because it is specifically positioned for auto repair shops with that pay model.[1]

A practical recommendation:
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already run your finances in QuickBooks or want the simplest accounting integration.[11][20]
- Choose **Gusto** if ease of use and employee self-service matter most.[11]
- Choose **Piece Work Pro** if you pay techs by **flag hours** and want software built around that workflow.[1]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 shortlist by price**, **by ease of use**, or **by flat-rate pay support**.


We have 35 employees and need automated payroll with good customer support. Which platform should we buy?

For **35 employees**, the best default choice is **Gusto** if you want **automated payroll** plus a strong **user experience** and broad small-business functionality.[1][2][12]

If **customer support** is your top priority, **OnPay** and **Patriot Software Payroll** are also strong options because they’re repeatedly noted for **responsive support** and being a good fit for small to mid-sized businesses.[1][3]

A practical way to choose:

- **Pick Gusto** if you want the best overall balance of **automation, ease of use, payroll + HR features, and small-business fit**.[1][2][12]
- **Pick OnPay** if you want a simpler payroll platform with **excellent support resources** and solid value for a 35-person team.[1][3]
- **Pick Patriot Software Payroll** if you care most about **straightforward payroll processing** and **exceptional support**.[1]

If you want one answer: **buy Gusto**.[1][2][12]


affordable payroll software with direct deposit for 6 employees

For **6 employees**, the most affordable payroll software with **direct deposit** is usually **Patriot**, **Payroll4Free**, or **OnPay**, depending on whether you want the lowest monthly cost or the most full-service features.[1][3][9][12]

- **Patriot**: starts at **$17/month + $4/employee** on its basic payroll plan, and it offers **free direct deposit** for qualifying customers on 4-day and 2-day schedules.[1][9][15]
- **Payroll4Free**: the core software is **free** for businesses with fewer than 10 employees, but **direct deposit** is a paid upgrade, so it can still be the cheapest option if you want very low base cost.[3][7]
- **OnPay**: costs **$49/month + $6/employee**, with **next-day direct deposits** and no hidden fees; for 6 employees, that’s about **$85/month** before taxes/other extras.[4][12]
- **Gusto**: starts at **$49/month + $6/person** for single-state payroll and includes direct deposit; for 6 employees, that’s about **$85/month**.[2][3][5]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: starts at **$6.50/employee/month** plus a required QuickBooks Online subscription, and it offers **free direct deposit**; total cost depends on your QuickBooks plan.[2][6]

If you want the **cheapest practical choice**, start with **Patriot** if you need direct deposit and payroll/tax support, or **Payroll4Free** if you’re comfortable adding paid direct deposit as an upgrade.[1][3][7]

If you want, I can also give you a **ranked top 3 with estimated monthly cost for 6 employees**.


What payroll software do most small business owners recommend?

Most small-business reviews and buyer guides recommend **Gusto** most often as the best overall payroll software for small businesses.[1][11][16]

Other commonly recommended options are **ADP RUN**, **QuickBooks Payroll**, **Paychex Flex**, and **OnPay**, depending on what the business needs most—such as compliance, accounting integration, or hands-on support.[1][9][11]

A practical reading of the results is:

- **Gusto**: most frequently positioned as the best all-around choice for small businesses.[1][11][16]
- **ADP RUN**: often recommended for growing businesses and automation.[1][11]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: best if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[1][12]
- **Paychex Flex**: valued for support and flexibility.[1][3]
- **OnPay**: often highlighted for tax compliance and industry-specific needs.[1]