What is the best payroll software for a 10-person small business?

**Gusto** is widely considered the best payroll software for a 10-person small business.

### Why Gusto:
* **Ease of Use:** Extremely intuitive setup and navigation for non-HR professionals.
* **Full Service:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files local, state, and federal payroll taxes.
* **HR Features:** Includes employee self-onboarding, health benefits administration, workers' comp, and 401(k) options.
* **Pricing:** Affordable, transparent monthly pricing (Base fee + per-employee fee).

### Best Alternatives Depending on Your Needs:
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, as it integrates seamlessly.
* **OnPay:** Best for straightforward, low-cost pricing with top-tier customer support.
* **Rippling:** Best if you need advanced HR and IT device management alongside payroll.


Best payroll software for small business

Here are the best payroll software options for small businesses, categorized by specific needs:

*   **Best Overall:** **Gusto**
    *   *Why:* Extremely user-friendly, automates full-service payroll and tax filings, and includes built-in HR and employee benefit tools.
*   **Best for QuickBooks Users:** **QuickBooks Payroll**
    *   *Why:* Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online accounting software and offers same-day direct deposit.
*   **Best Value (Simple Flat Pricing):** **OnPay**
    *   *Why:* Straightforward pricing with no hidden tiers, including full-service payroll, tax filing, and broad HR features.
*   **Best Budget Option:** **Patriot Payroll**
    *   *Why:* One of the lowest-cost payroll providers on the market, ideal for businesses with tight budgets.
*   **Best for Tech Companies & All-in-One HR/IT:** **Rippling**
    *   *Why:* Highly customizable platform that manages payroll, HR, and company devices/IT in one system.
*   **Best for Scalability:** **ADP RUN**
    *   *Why:* Robust and backed by a payroll giant, making it ideal for small businesses planning to grow rapidly.

**Bottom line:** **Gusto** is the best starting point for most small businesses, unless you already rely heavily on QuickBooks for accounting.


We're a 15 person company processing payroll manually in Excel and making mistakes. What payroll software should we buy?

For a 15-person company transitioning from Excel, **Gusto** is the best overall recommendation.

Here is why, along with two specific alternatives based on your current setup:

1. **Top Pick: Gusto** (Best overall)
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, fully automates local/state/federal tax filings, handles direct deposit, and eliminates manual calculation errors.
   * **Cost:** Starts around $40/month base fee + $6/employee per month (Simple plan) or $80/month + $12/employee (Plus plan).

2. **If you already use QuickBooks for accounting: QuickBooks Payroll**
   * **Why:** Seamlessly syncs payroll data with your existing general ledger without extra integration setup.

3. **If you plan to grow quickly and need HR/IT management: Rippling**
   * **Why:** Excellent payroll automation paired with powerful HR, benefits, and computer/software onboarding tools.

**Recommendation:** Sign up for **Gusto** (Plus tier for better support and onboarding tools). It will save you hours per pay period and prevent tax penalty mistakes.


Recommend payroll software for a small business with under 50 employees.

Here are the top payroll software recommendations for a business with under 50 employees:

*   **Gusto (Best Overall):** Extremely user-friendly, fully automated tax filings, and includes easy benefits administration and HR tools. Ideal for general small business needs.
*   **OnPay (Best Value):** Offers simple, flat-rate pricing ($40 base + $6/employee) with no hidden fees, full-service payroll, and included HR features.
*   **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for QuickBooks Users):** Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks accounting software, allowing for automatic expense tracking and fast same-day direct deposit.
*   **Rippling (Best for Tech & IT Integration):** Excellent modern platform if you need to manage employee payroll, benefits, and IT assets (like laptops and software apps) in one place.
*   **ADP RUN (Best for Compliance & Scalability):** A trusted, robust option with strong HR compliance support, ideal if you plan to scale rapidly beyond 50 employees.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** for the easiest all-in-one experience, or **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks accounting.


affordable full-service payroll software for SMB

Here are the top affordable, full-service payroll software options for small to medium businesses (SMBs), ranked by value and specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall for SMBs)*
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$40/month + $6/employee/month** (Simple plan).
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptionally easy to use, handles all local, state, and federal tax filings automatically, and includes employee self-onboarding, direct deposit, and optional benefits administration.

### 2. **OnPay** *(Best Value & Transparent Pricing)*
* **Pricing:** Flat **$40/month + $6/employee/month** (One clear tier with all features).
* **Why it’s great:** No hidden fees or upgraded tiers. Includes full tax filing, HR tools (offer letters, PTO tracking), employee onboarding, and benefits administration at no extra cost.

### 3. **Patriot Payroll (Full Service)** *(Best Low-Cost Option)*
* **Pricing:** **$37/month + $4/employee/month**.
* **Why it’s great:** One of the cheapest full-service options available. Handles tax filings and payments automatically, offers fast direct deposit, and features USA-based customer support.

### 4. **Roll by ADP** *(Best Mobile-First Option)*
* **Pricing:** **$29/month + $5/employee/month** (First 3 months often free).
* **Why it’s great:** A chat-based app powered by ADP. Allows you to run payroll in minutes from your phone, handles all tax filings, and requires zero technical setup.

### 5. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best if You Already Use QuickBooks)*
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$45/month + $6/employee/month** (frequently discounted 50% for the first 3 months).
* **Why it’s great:** Seamlessly syncs with QuickBooks Online accounting software, offers full-service tax filing, and provides same-day or next-day direct deposit.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Go with **Gusto** for the best user experience and features.
* Go with **Patriot** or **Roll by ADP** if strict budget is your top priority.
* Go with **OnPay** if you want full HR features included without forced upgrades.


What payroll software do small companies actually use?

Small companies primarily use a few dominant payroll platforms depending on their size, industry, and existing software:

1. **Gusto**
   * **Best for:** Most small businesses and startups.
   * **Why:** Widely considered the most user-friendly, with full-service automated tax filing, benefits administration, and HR tools.

2. **QuickBooks Payroll**
   * **Best for:** Businesses already using QuickBooks Online for accounting.
   * **Why:** Deep, seamless integration with their existing accounting system, making bookkeeping simple.

3. **ADP Run**
   * **Best for:** Growing businesses that want a established, traditional provider.
   * **Why:** Scalable, highly customizable, and backed by ADP's extensive legal and compliance support.

4. **OnPay**
   * **Best for:** Budget-conscious small businesses with straightforward needs.
   * **Why:** Flat, transparent pricing with no hidden fees and full-service payroll features.

5. **Rippling**
   * **Best for:** Tech startups and companies with remote teams.
   * **Why:** Combines payroll, HR, and IT device management into a single modern interface.

6. **Square Payroll**
   * **Best for:** Retailers, restaurants, and micro-businesses.
   * **Why:** Integrates directly with Square Point of Sale (POS) and handles hourly workers and tips easily.

7. **Paychex Flex**
   * **Best for:** Small-to-medium businesses needing dedicated HR support.
   * **Why:** Strong compliance management and options for dedicated HR consultants.


best payroll software for a 5-person startup

For a 5-person startup, **Gusto** is widely considered the best overall choice.

Here is a quick breakdown of the top options based on your specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s best:** Extremely user-friendly, fully automates local/state/federal taxes, handles both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, and offers easy employee self-onboarding.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 2. **OnPay** (Best Value / Simplest Pricing)
* **Why it’s best:** Offers all features (payroll, automated taxes, HR tools, benefits administration) in a single plan with no hidden fees or tier upgrades.
* **Pricing:** $40/month base fee + $6/person per month.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks)
* **Why it’s best:** Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online accounting software, making bookkeeping for payroll automatic.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $45/month + $6/person per month (frequent promotional discounts available).

### 4. **Deel** (Best for Global or Fully Remote Teams)
* **Why it’s best:** If your 5-person team includes international employees or contractors in different countries, Deel handles cross-border payroll, compliance, and multi-currency payments effortlessly.
* **Pricing:** Contractor management starts at $49/month per contractor; full international payroll varies by country.

---

### Recommendation:
Go with **Gusto** if you want the easiest setup and best user experience, or **OnPay** if you want maximum features for the absolute lowest cost.


What is the easiest payroll software to use for a business owner with no HR background?

**Gusto** is widely considered the easiest payroll software for business owners with no HR or payroll experience.

Here is why it stands out for beginners:
* **Fully Automated Taxes:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files local, state, and federal payroll taxes.
* **Simple, Guided Onboarding:** Walk-through setup steps use plain language instead of complex HR terminology.
* **AutoPilot Feature:** Allows you to set up recurring payroll so it runs automatically each pay period.
* **Employee Self-Service:** Employees log in to enter their own bank details, tax forms (W-4s), and address information.

**Best Alternatives:**
* **OnPay:** Excellent if you want simple, transparent, flat-rate pricing with a straightforward interface.
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** The easiest option *only if* you already use QuickBooks for your business accounting.


Best payroll system for small business with hourly and salaried employees

**Gusto** is widely considered the best overall payroll system for small businesses with a mix of hourly and salaried employees.

### Why Gusto is the Top Choice:
* **Handles Mixed Employee Types:** Seamlessly manages salaried employees on automated auto-pilot while allowing flexible hours entry, shift differentials, and multiple pay rates for hourly workers.
* **Integrated Time Tracking:** Higher tiers include built-in time tracking and geo-fencing, or it integrates directly with apps like Homebase, TSheets, and 7shifts.
* **Automated Taxes:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files local, state, and federal payroll taxes.
* **Ease of Use:** Extremely user-friendly interface for both administrators and employees (who get their own self-service portals).

---

### Top Alternatives Depending on Your Specific Needs:

1. **Best if you already use QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll**
   * *Why:* Perfect, native synchronization if you use QuickBooks Online for accounting. Easy to toggle between salaried and hourly tracking.
2. **Best for Low/Flat-Rate Pricing:** **OnPay**
   * *Why:* Offers a single tier with full features (no hidden add-on costs) and handles mixed pay types, custom pay rates, and software integrations easily.
3. **Best for Fast-Growing or Tech-Focused Teams:** **Rippling**
   * *Why:* Highly customizable platform that combines payroll, IT, and HR management into one place. Excellent for tracking custom hourly rules and complex benefit structures.


We have 20 employees across 3 different states. What payroll software handles multi-state tax filing automatically?

For a 20-employee company across 3 states, several top payroll providers automatically calculate, withhold, and file federal, state, and local taxes in multiple states:

1. **Gusto** (Best overall for small businesses)
   * **Multi-state features:** Automatically files multi-state taxes on the **Plus** plan. It tracks state tax thresholds, registers you in new states, and files all state/local taxes automatically.

2. **Rippling** (Best for automation & seamless multi-state compliance)
   * **Multi-state features:** Highly automated. It automatically assigns local tax codes based on employee addresses, handles multi-state filings, and can even auto-register your business with state tax agencies.

3. **ADP RUN** (Best for dedicated compliance support)
   * **Multi-state features:** Handles all multi-state tax calculations, withholdings, and filings automatically. Offers strong support if you run into complex state tax notices.

4. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks Accounting)
   * **Multi-state features:** The **Premium** and **Elite** plans include automated multi-state tax filing and end-of-year tax forms (W-2s) across multiple states.

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Gusto (Plus plan)** for the most user-friendly experience and transparent pricing for 20 employees.
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to expand into more states quickly and want maximum automation.


top payroll software for small marketing agency

Here are the top payroll software options for a small marketing agency, categorized by their best use case:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall)**
   * **Why it fits agencies:** Exceptionally easy to use, handles both full-time (W-2) employees and freelancers/contractors (1099) with ease. Integrates seamlessly with agency time-tracking tools (like Harvest) and accounting software (QuickBooks/Xero).
   * **Key feature:** Automated tax filings and flexible contractor pay.

2. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for Existing QuickBooks Users)**
   * **Why it fits agencies:** If you already use QuickBooks Online to invoice clients and track project expenses, adding QuickBooks Payroll keeps all your financial data, billable hours, and labor costs in one place.
   * **Key feature:** Same-day direct deposit and automatic time tracking via QuickBooks Time.

3. **Rippling (Best for Tech-Forward & Growing Agencies)**
   * **Why it fits agencies:** Combines payroll, HR, and IT. Ideal if you need to quickly manage software permissions (Slack, Google Workspace, Figma) and manage remote agency staff or contractors globally.
   * **Key feature:** Powerful automation for onboarding and multi-state/international compliance.

4. **OnPay (Best Value / Fixed Pricing)**
   * **Why it fits agencies:** Offers straightforward pricing with no hidden tiers for a small team. Excellent built-in HR features and handle both employees and contractors without extra charges.
   * **Key feature:** Free setup/migration and dedicated support.

5. **Deel (Best for Global Contractors)**
   * **Why it fits agencies:** If your agency relies heavily on international freelancers and overseas talent, Deel simplifies international contracts, localized tax compliance, and multi-currency payouts.
   * **Key feature:** Global compliance and flexible payment options for international talent.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** for the best balance of ease, price, and integrations, or **QuickBooks Payroll** if your accounting is already on QuickBooks.


What software should a small restaurant buy to handle hourly payroll, tip pooling, and direct deposit?

The best software options tailored specifically for small restaurants needing hourly payroll, tip pooling, and direct deposit are:

1. **Toast Payroll & Team Management** *(Best overall if using Toast POS)*
   * **Why:** It natively integrates POS sales data to automatically calculate tip pools based on hours worked, handles variable hourly rates, and processes direct deposits seamlessly.

2. **7shifts (with 7shifts Payroll)** *(Best for scheduling & tip automation)*
   * **Why:** Purpose-built for restaurants. Its Tip Pooling Manager automates complex tip-sharing formulas based on POS data, syncs with time tracking, and processes direct deposit payroll directly or through integrations (like Gusto).

3. **Homebase** *(Best budget all-in-one option)*
   * **Why:** Excellent for small, simple setups. It handles hourly time tracking, automated tip pooling distribution, and built-in direct deposit payroll in one affordable platform.

4. **Square Payroll** *(Best if using Square POS)*
   * **Why:** Very affordable and simple. Automatically pulls hourly data and tips from Square POS, supports tip pooling/split tips, and includes direct deposit.

5. **Gusto** *(Best standalone general payroll)*
   * **Why:** Powerful, user-friendly payroll engine for hourly workers and direct deposit. *Note:* For complex tip pooling, it is best paired with a restaurant scheduling tool like **7shifts** or **Push Operations**.

**Recommendation:**
If you already use a POS like **Toast** or **Square**, use their built-in payroll. If you want a flexible stand-alone restaurant solution, go with **7shifts** (either using their native payroll or pairing it with **Gusto**).


best payroll software for small construction business

The best payroll software for a small construction business depends on whether you need specialized features like **certified payroll** (for government jobs) and **job costing**.

Here are the top options based on specific needs:

### 1. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best Overall for Existing QuickBooks Users)*
* **Why it’s great:** Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Accounting to track labor costs per project (job costing). Integrates directly with QuickBooks Time for mobile time tracking, GPS location, and geofencing for job sites.
* **Best for:** General contractors who want all accounting, time-tracking, and payroll in one ecosystem.

### 2. **Payroll4Construction** *(Best for Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage)*
* **Why it’s great:** Built specifically for construction. Automatically handles complex multi-state pay rates, union reporting, worker’s comp tracking, and free Certified Payroll reports (Davis-Bacon Act).
* **Best for:** Small contractors working on government, union, or multi-rate commercial projects.

### 3. **Gusto** *(Best for Simple Construction & Ease of Use)*
* **Why it’s great:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles automated tax filings. It integrates well with popular construction time-tracking apps like *busybusy* and *QuickBooks Time*.
* **Best for:** Small residential contractors or subcontractors with simple payroll needs who don't require government certified payroll reporting.

### 4. **Rippling** *(Best for Mobile Crew Management & Tech-Forward Businesses)*
* **Why it’s great:** Strong mobile app features, customizable workflows, excellent worker's comp administration, and robust location/time tracking integrations.
* **Best for:** Growing contractors with tech-savvy crews working across multiple locations.

---

### **Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks and need solid job costing.
* Choose **Payroll4Construction** if you do government/prevailing-wage work requiring certified payroll reports.
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest, most affordable tool for a simple crew.


We need easy payroll software with auto tax filing for 8 workers. What should we choose?

For a team of 8, **Gusto** is the best and easiest overall choice.

### Top Pick: **Gusto**
* **Automated Taxes:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files all federal, state, and local payroll taxes (plus end-of-year W-2s and 1099s).
* **Ease of Use:** Highly intuitive interface; setup takes minutes, and payroll can be set on autopilot.
* **Flexibility:** Easily handles both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
* **Pricing:** The *Simple* plan costs $40/month + $6/worker per month.

---

### Alternative Options:
* **OnPay:** Choose this if you want simple, flat-rate pricing ($40/month base + $6/worker) with no feature tiers, full tax automation, and excellent HR tools included.
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Choose this only if you already use QuickBooks Online for your business accounting, as it integrates seamlessly.


affordable online payroll services for boutique retail store

Here are the top affordable online payroll services tailored for boutique retail stores, depending on your setup:

### 1. **Square Payroll** *(Best if you use Square POS)*
* **Pricing:** $35/month base fee + $6/month per employee.
* **Why it fits boutique retail:** Integrates seamlessly with Square Point of Sale to automatically sync employee hours, time cards, and tips. It also offers a pay-as-you-go option for seasonal/contract worker months.

### 2. **Gusto** *(Best overall features & ease of use)*
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month base fee + $6/month per employee (Simple Plan).
* **Why it fits boutique retail:** User-friendly platform that automates local, state, and federal taxes. Handles hourly workers, overtime, and simple benefit administration (like health insurance or employee discounts).

### 3. **Patriot Payroll** *(Best ultra-budget option)*
* **Pricing:** Full-Service plan starts at $37/month base fee + $4/month per employee.
* **Why it fits boutique retail:** One of the cheapest full-service payroll options available. It includes tax filings, direct deposit, and basic time-tracking integration without extra frills.

### 4. **OnPay** *(Best straightforward, flat-rate pricing)*
* **Pricing:** $40/month base fee + $6/month per employee (no hidden tiers; all features included).
* **Why it fits boutique retail:** Offers software integrations with retail accounting tools (Xero, QuickBooks) and handles complex items like tip allocation, commission tracking, and multi-location management at no extra charge.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Square Payroll** if you already use Square for in-store checkout.
* Choose **Patriot** if your budget is extremely tight.
* Choose **Gusto** for the best balance of features, employee self-onboarding, and HR tools.


What payroll platform is best for a non-profit with 12 employees?

For a non-profit with 12 employees, **Gusto** is generally the best overall payroll platform.

Here is why Gusto stands out, along with two top alternatives based on your specific needs:

### 1. Best Overall: **Gusto**
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, automates federal/state/local tax filings, handles both salaried and hourly employees, and offers built-in HR tools (benefits administration, onboarding).
* **Non-profit benefits:** Integrates seamlessly with non-profit accounting tools (like QuickBooks Online) and time-tracking software needed for grant allocation.
* **Cost:** Starts around $40/month + $6/employee/month.

---

### Key Alternatives:
* **Best Value / Budget:** **OnPay**
  * Flat pricing ($40/month + $6/employee) with no hidden fees for tax filings or multiple pay runs. Excellent customer support and special setup options for non-profits (including clergy housing allowances).
* **Best if using QuickBooks for Accounting:** **QuickBooks Payroll**
  * If you already use QuickBooks Online for non-profit fund/grant accounting, using their built-in payroll makes tagging expenses to specific grants seamless.

### Recommendation:
Start with **Gusto** for the best balance of features, ease of use, and integrations. Choose **OnPay** if you want the absolute lowest, simplest pricing with full features included.


best payroll software for micro business 3 employees

For a micro business with 3 employees, the best options depend on your budget and existing tools:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall)**
   * **Estimated Cost:** ~$58/month ($40 base + $6/employee)
   * **Why it’s best:** Exceptionally easy to use, handles all local/state/federal tax filings automatically, and offers great onboarding for new hires.

2. **Patriot Payroll (Best Budget Option)**
   * **Estimated Cost:** ~$49/month for Full Service ($37 base + $4/employee)
   * **Why it’s best:** The most affordable option that still files all payroll taxes for you. Excellent US-based customer support.

3. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best if you already use QuickBooks)**
   * **Estimated Cost:** ~$63/month ($45 base + $6/employee, base prices frequently discounted)
   * **Why it’s best:** Instantly syncs payroll expenses directly into your QuickBooks accounting software.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** for the easiest, most stress-free experience, or **Patriot** if keeping monthly costs as low as possible is your top priority.


We are switching from a manual accountant to payroll software for our 25-person team. What is the best option?

For a 25-person team, **Gusto** is the best overall option.

Here are the top choices based on your specific setup:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Ideal for a smooth transition from a manual accountant. It is extremely user-friendly, fully automates local/state/federal payroll taxes, manages direct deposits, and offers integrated benefits (health insurance, 401k) and HR tools.
2. **Rippling (Best for Tech-Forward/Scaling Teams):** Best if you plan to scale rapidly, hire internationally, or want to manage IT/devices (laptops, app permissions) alongside payroll and HR in one platform.
3. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best if You Already Use QuickBooks):** A solid choice only if your team already relies heavily on QuickBooks Online for general bookkeeping, as the integration simplifies accounting.

**Bottom line:** Go with **Gusto** unless you have complex IT/international needs (choose Rippling) or already use QuickBooks for accounting.


**Gusto** is widely considered the easiest payroll software for direct deposit and tax filing.

### Why Gusto is the best choice:
* **Fully Automated Taxes:** It automatically calculates, pays, and files local, state, and federal payroll taxes.
* **Seamless Direct Deposit:** Set up takes minutes, and payroll can be set on autopilot.
* **User-Friendly:** Has the cleanest, most intuitive interface for both employers and employees.

### Top Alternatives:
* **OnPay:** Best if you want simple, flat-rate pricing with full tax automation and direct deposit included.
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if you already use QuickBooks for your accounting, as it integrates seamlessly.


What is the top-rated payroll software for small law firms?

**Gusto** is widely considered the top-rated payroll software for small law firms.

### Why Gusto is #1 for Small Law Firms:
* **Legal Software Integrations:** It integrates directly with legal practice management platforms like **Clio**, as well as accounting tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero.
* **Flexible Pay Structures:** Easily handles W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, hourly billing, and owner/partner draws.
* **Full-Service Automation:** Automates local, state, and federal tax filings, direct deposits, and benefits administration.
* **User-Friendly & Affordable:** Consistently rated highest on G2 and Capterra for small business ease-of-use and transparent pricing.

### Top Runners-Up:
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if your firm already relies heavily on QuickBooks Online for trust accounting and general ledger management.
* **ADP RUN:** Best for small law firms that need robust HR compliance tools and plan to scale rapidly.


best payroll system for small dental practice

The best payroll system for a small dental practice depends on your specific needs, but the top options are:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall)**
   * **Why it’s great for dental:** Extremely user-friendly and easily handles multiple pay rates (e.g., hygienists working different duties or varied hourly rates). It automates local, state, and federal taxes and integrates well with standard accounting tools.

2. **OnPay (Best Value)**
   * **Why it’s great for dental:** Straightforward flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Excellent at handling complex payroll needs like multi-rate pay for staff, custom PTO policies, and employee onboarding.

3. **HR for Health (Best Dental-Specific Solution)**
   * **Why it’s great for dental:** Designed specifically for dental and medical practices. It combines payroll with niche compliance features, such as tracking mandatory state meal/rest breaks, CE credits, and license renewals for hygienists and assistants.

4. **ADP RUN (Best for Scalability & Complex Benefits)**
   * **Why it’s great for dental:** Ideal if you plan to expand to multiple locations or offer robust benefit packages. Strong legal/HR compliance support, though it is generally more expensive.

5. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for QuickBooks Users)**
   * **Why it’s great for dental:** Automatically syncs with QuickBooks accounting, simplifying financial reporting if your bookkeeper already uses the platform.

### Key Features to Look For in Dental Payroll:
* **Multiple Pay Rates:** Ability to assign different hourly rates to employees performing varied tasks (e.g., front desk vs. assisting).
* **Practice Management Integration:** Ability to sync or export data alongside software like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental.
* **Compliance Tracking:** Features for managing mandatory breaks, overtime regulations, and professional license tracking.

**Recommendation:** For most small practices, **Gusto** provides the best balance of ease of use, cost, and features. If HR compliance and dental licensing trackability are major concerns, choose **HR for Health**.


We are a tech startup with 12 remote employees in the US. What payroll software should we buy?

For a 12-person remote US tech startup, the top recommendations are:

1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall for Ease of Use & Value)*
   * **Why:** Automates complex multi-state tax filings (essential for remote teams), manages benefits, and integrates seamlessly with startup tools (Slack, QuickBooks).
   * **Cost:** ~$40–$80 base + $6–$12/employee per month.

2. **Rippling** *(Best for Tech Startups & Scaling)*
   * **Why:** Built specifically for modern tech companies. It unifies payroll, HR, and IT—allowing you to manage employee laptops, app provisioning (Google Workspace, Slack), and multi-state compliance in one place.
   * **Cost:** Starts at $8/user/month (plus a platform fee).

3. **Justworks** *(Best for Big-Company Benefits / PEO)*
   * **Why:** Acts as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), allowing a small team to access enterprise-grade health insurance rates while handling all multi-state compliance.
   * **Cost:** Higher per-employee cost (~$59–$99/employee/month).

### **Bottom Line:**
* Pick **Gusto** if you want a simple, budget-friendly solution focused purely on HR and payroll.
* Pick **Rippling** if you want to automate IT (device management) alongside HR and plan to scale quickly.


What payroll software provides the best mobile app for employees to view paystubs?

**Gusto** (via its *Gusto Wallet* app) is widely considered the best payroll software for employee mobile paystub viewing, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. Its app is exceptionally user-friendly, allowing employees to easily view paystubs, access tax forms (W-2s/1099s), track savings, and split direct deposits.

**Top Alternatives:**
*   **ADP Mobile Solutions:** Best for larger businesses or enterprise companies. It is one of the highest-rated payroll apps on both Apple and Android due to its reliability and comprehensive self-service features.
*   **Rippling:** Best for tech-forward companies looking for a highly modern, seamless, all-in-one HR and payroll app interface.


best low cost payroll software for sole proprietor with 2 employees

Here are the best low-cost payroll software options for a sole proprietor with 2 employees, ranked by affordability and value:

### 1. **Roll by ADP** *(Cheapest Full-Service Option)*
* **Total Cost for 2 Employees:** **$39/month** ($29 base + $5/employee)
* **Best For:** Maximum savings with full tax filing included.
* **Key Features:** Chat-based mobile app, automatic tax filing, direct deposit, and easy setup backed by ADP.

### 2. **Patriot Payroll** *(Best Overall Value)*
* **Total Cost for 2 Employees:**
  * **$45/month** ($37 base + $4/employee) for *Full Service* (handles tax filings).
  * **$25/month** ($17 base + $4/employee) for *Basic* (you file taxes yourself).
* **Best For:** Excellent US-based customer support and budget flexibility.
* **Key Features:** Fast setup, direct deposit, free employee portal, and clear pricing.

### 3. **Gusto** *(Best Overall User Experience)*
* **Total Cost for 2 Employees:** **$52/month** ($40 base + $6/employee on the *Simple* plan)
* **Best For:** Total automation, ease of use, and future growth.
* **Key Features:** Fully automated tax filing, seamless integrations (QuickBooks, Xero), automated onboarding, and built-in HR tools.

---

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Roll by ADP** if your top priority is the **absolute lowest price** for full tax-handling.
* Choose **Patriot Payroll** if you want **great phone support** and a straightforward online dashboard.
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the **easiest software to use** and plan to integrate with accounting tools.


We run a small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff. What payroll tool handles direct deposit best?

For a small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff, **Gusto** is the best overall payroll tool for direct deposit, while **Square Payroll** is the best choice if you already use Square POS.

Here is why they stand out:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):**
   * **Direct Deposit:** Offers fast 2-day (and available next-day) automated direct deposit. Employees can manage their own bank details via a mobile app.
   * **Coffee Shop Features:** Easily handles hourly rates, multiple pay rates, tip reporting, and integrates with popular time-tracking apps (like Homebase or 7shifts).
   * **Cost:** Around $40/month base fee + $6/month per employee.

2. **Square Payroll (Best if using Square POS):**
   * **Direct Deposit:** Fully automated direct deposit with option for instant payouts to staff via Square Cash App.
   * **Coffee Shop Features:** Automatically syncs clock-in/out hours and tip pooling directly from your Square Point of Sale system.
   * **Cost:** $35/month base fee + $6/month per employee.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Square Payroll** if you use Square POS for seamless tip and time tracking. Otherwise, choose **Gusto** for its superior interface and flexibility.


Recommend a payroll platform for a 30-person manufacturing company.

For a 30-person manufacturing company, **Rippling** is the top recommendation.

### **Top Choice: Rippling**
* **Job Costing & Time Tracking:** Syncs seamlessly with time clocks to track hourly shifts, overtime, and labor costs tied to specific production lines or job codes.
* **Automation:** Handles onboarding, tax filings, benefits administration, and direct deposits automatically.
* **ERP & Accounting Sync:** Integrates easily with accounting platforms (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero) to keep manufacturing financials up to date.

### **Best Alternative: ADP RUN**
Choose **ADP RUN** if your manufacturing setup involves complex shift differentials, union rules, or requires certified payroll reporting.


best payroll software for small business with W2 and 1099 contractors

Here are the best payroll software options for small businesses managing both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, categorized by specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptionally user-friendly and built specifically for mixed W-2 and 1099 teams.
* **W-2/1099 Features:** Handles automatic federal, state, and local tax filings for W-2s, and automatically creates and files 1099-NEC forms at year-end. Allows direct deposit for both worker types and provides employee/contractor self-service portals.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/month per person.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best for Existing QuickBooks Users)
* **Why it’s great:** Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online accounting software, making it easy to track contractor expenses and payroll in one place.
* **W-2/1099 Features:** Same-day or next-day direct deposit for both W-2 and 1099 workers, automatic tax filings, and easy 1099 e-filing.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $45/month + $6/month per person (frequent promotional discounts available).

### 3. **OnPay** (Best Value / Flat Pricing)
* **Why it’s great:** Offers a single, full-featured plan with no hidden fees, making it cost-effective as you scale.
* **W-2/1099 Features:** Includes standard W-2 and 1099 processing, automated tax filings, and year-end tax form distribution (W-2s and 1099s) at no extra charge.
* **Pricing:** $40/month base + $6/month per person.

### 4. **Square Payroll** (Best for Retail & Service Businesses)
* **Why it’s great:** Ideal if you already use Square POS or have a mix of hourly W-2 workers and occasional 1099 contractors.
* **W-2/1099 Features:** Automatically syncs employee hours from the POS. Offers a flexible model where you only pay for contractors in the months you actually pay them.
* **Pricing:** $35/month base + $6/month per person for full payroll (or $6/person per month with no base fee for contractor-only months).

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* **Choose Gusto** for the easiest all-around experience and HR tools.
* **Choose QuickBooks Payroll** if you already rely on QuickBooks accounting.
* **Choose OnPay** for simple, transparent pricing with excellent customer support.


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

To eliminate tax penalties, you need a **full-service payroll provider** that automates tax calculations, withholdings, and filings at the federal, state, and local levels—backed by a **tax accuracy guarantee** (meaning they pay the penalty if they make a mistake).

Here are the most reliable payroll software options:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall for Small-to-Medium Businesses)
* **Tax Handling:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files federal, state, and local payroll taxes. Covers multi-state payroll.
* **Why it’s reliable:** Gusto includes a tax accuracy guarantee. If they make an error with your tax filings, they cover the penalty costs and resolve the issue with the tax authority on your behalf.

### 2. **ADP RUN** (Best for Scalability and Complex Compliance)
* **Tax Handling:** Full-service tax filing with deep expertise in state-by-state compliance and local tax jurisdictions.
* **Why it’s reliable:** ADP is the largest payroll processor in the U.S. Their compliance engine is extremely robust, making it virtually bulletproof for avoiding filing errors.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if You Already Use QuickBooks)
* **Tax Handling:** E-files federal and state taxes automatically, integrated directly into your accounting software.
* **Why it’s reliable:** Higher-tier plans (Premium and Elite) include tax penalty protection—QuickBooks will pay up to $25,000 per year in tax penalties if their system causes an error.

### 4. **OnPay** (Best Fixed-Price Option)
* **Tax Handling:** Fully automated federal, state, and local tax filings included in a single, standard monthly price.
* **Why it’s reliable:** Unlike some competitors, OnPay doesn't charge extra for multi-state tax filing and offers a 100% accuracy guarantee on tax calculations and filings.

---

### Key Recommendation:
If you want an easy transition from spreadsheets, go with **Gusto**. If you already use QuickBooks for your books, upgrade to **QuickBooks Payroll**. Both will completely take state and federal tax filings off your hands.


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

**Gusto** is widely considered the best overall payroll software with built-in health insurance and benefits options, especially for small to mid-sized businesses.

### Why Gusto is the top choice:
* **Licensed Health Insurance Broker:** Gusto acts as its own insurance broker across all 50 U.S. states, allowing you to buy new plans or transfer your existing health, dental, and vision plans into the system at no extra cost.
* **Automatic Payroll Sync:** Deductions for health premiums, 401(k) contributions, HSAs, and FSAs sync automatically with payroll.
* **Comprehensive Benefits:** Offers built-in 401(k) plans (via Guideline), workers' compensation, commuter benefits, and life/disability insurance.
* **Employee Self-Service:** Employees can select their benefits and access paystubs through an easy-to-use portal.

### Top Alternative:
* **Rippling:** Best for fast-growing or larger companies (50+ employees) that want advanced HR automation, global payroll, and IT management alongside built-in health benefits.


best payroll software for small cleaning service business

Here are the best payroll software options for a small cleaning service business, tailored to handle hourly wages, mobile teams, and multiple job sites:

### 1. **Gusto** – *Best Overall*
* **Why it’s great for cleaning services:** Extremely user-friendly and automatically handles complex payroll, tax filings, and contractor (1099) vs. employee (W-2) payments. It integrates easily with popular time-tracking and scheduling tools like Timeero and Homebase for tracking cleaners at different locations.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 2. **Homebase** – *Best for Scheduling & GPS Time Tracking*
* **Why it’s great for cleaning services:** Built specifically for hourly and field teams. It offers a free mobile app for cleaners to clock in/out using GPS geofencing (ensuring they are actually at the client's home/office). You can easily convert hours worked into payroll with their built-in payroll add-on.
* **Pricing:** Basic scheduling is free; payroll add-on starts at around $39/month + $6/person.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** – *Best if You Already Use QuickBooks Accounting*
* **Why it’s great for cleaning services:** If you use QuickBooks to invoice your cleaning clients, adding QuickBooks Payroll keeps everything under one roof. Paired with *QuickBooks Time*, cleaners can clock in from their phones, and costs are automatically assigned to specific jobs or clients.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $45/month + $6/person per month (frequent promo discounts apply).

### 4. **OnPay** – *Best Flat-Rate Value*
* **Why it’s great for cleaning services:** Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees for extra payroll runs. It handles direct deposits, software integrations, and worker’s compensation administration, making it ideal if you want full functionality without tiered pricing traps.
* **Pricing:** Flat $40/month + $6/person per month.

---

### **Summary Recommendation**
* **Go with Gusto** if you want the easiest, most reliable all-around payroll with flexible integrations.
* **Go with Homebase** if your biggest pain point is managing hours, schedules, and making sure cleaners clock in at the correct job site.


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

For a 40-person company, here are the top three recommendations based on your needs:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it fits:** It is the industry standard for mid-sized growing businesses due to its ease of use, automated tax filings, and strong employee self-service portal.
* **Accounting Integrations:** Seamless 2-way sync with **QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks**, and **Sage**.
* **Best for:** Companies that want simple, reliable payroll with strong basic HR features without a steep learning curve.

### 2. **Rippling** *(Best for Tech-Forward Companies & HR/IT Needs)*
* **Why it fits:** Extremely powerful automation. It can manage payroll alongside HR, benefits, and even company devices/software apps in one dashboard.
* **Accounting Integrations:** Native, highly customizable integrations with **QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct**, and **Workday**.
* **Best for:** Companies that plan to grow rapidly, have remote/global employees, or want to automate onboarding/IT setup alongside payroll.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best if you strictly use QuickBooks Online)*
* **Why it fits:** If your accounting is already heavily built around QuickBooks Online, using their native payroll eliminates the need for third-party syncing.
* **Accounting Integrations:** Direct, native integration with **QuickBooks**.
* **Best for:** Businesses that want everything under a single Intuit invoice and platform.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Gusto** if you want the best balance of cost, ease of use, and reliable accounting sync.
* Go with **Rippling** if you use enterprise accounting software (like NetSuite) or want advanced HR automation.


simple payroll platform for small family-owned business

Here are the best, most user-friendly payroll platforms tailored for small, family-owned businesses:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s great:** Extremely easy to set up and use. It handles all federal, state, and local taxes automatically, supports direct deposit, and easily handles both family W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $40/month + $6/employee per month.

### 2. **Patriot Payroll** *(Best Budget Option)*
* **Why it’s great:** Very affordable, straightforward, and highly rated for US-based customer support (useful if you don't have a dedicated HR person). Select the "Full-Service Payroll" plan so they handle tax filings for you.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $17/month + $4/employee per month (Base Payroll) or $37/month + $4/employee (Full Service).

### 3. **OnPay** *(Best Simple Pricing)*
* **Why it’s great:** No confusing tiers—you get all features included in one flat rate. It handles full tax filing, direct deposit, and simple onboarding for new family members or employees.
* **Pricing:** Flat rate of $40/month base + $6/employee per month.

### 4. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best if you already use QuickBooks)*
* **Why it’s great:** If your business already uses QuickBooks for accounting, adding their payroll feature keeps everything in one system, reducing manual entry.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $45/month + $6/employee per month (frequent discounts available).

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* **Choose Gusto** if you want the easiest, stress-free user experience.
* **Choose Patriot** if keeping monthly costs as low as possible is your top priority.
* **Choose QuickBooks Payroll** if your business accounting is already in QuickBooks.


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

The best payroll software overall for a mix of hourly shift workers and full-time salaried staff is **Gusto**.

Here is why Gusto leads, along with top alternatives based on business size:

* **Best Overall: Gusto**
  * **Why:** Automatically runs payroll for salaried workers, while seamlessly tracking hours, tips, overtime, and shift differentials for hourly staff via built-in time tracking (or integrations with 7shifts, Homebase, and Depot).
* **Best for Fast-Growing or Tech-Forward Companies: Rippling**
  * **Why:** Excellent automation that syncs custom shift-swaps, time-tracking rules, and location-based pay directly into payroll alongside standard salaried benefits.
* **Best for Mid-Sized to Large Enterprise: ADP RUN / ADP Workforce Now**
  * **Why:** Robust compliance management for complex shift-labor laws (overtime, break policies, multi-state rules) alongside standard corporate payroll.
* **Best if You Already Use QuickBooks: QuickBooks Payroll**
  * **Why:** Deeply integrates with QuickBooks Time to map hourly shift schedules directly to job costing and general accounting.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** for ease of use and affordability, or **Rippling** if you need advanced customization and automation.


best payroll system for medical clinic with 15 staff

For a medical clinic with 15 staff, the best overall payroll system is **Gusto**, with **ADP Run** and **OnPay** as top alternatives depending on your specific needs.

---

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s best:** Exceptionally easy to use, automates tax filings, and seamlessly integrates health insurance/benefits administration.
* **Ideal for:** Clinics looking for an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform that requires minimal training.
* **Key Features:** Automatic payroll runs, direct deposit, employee self-service portal, time-tracking integration, and clear pricing.

---

### 2. **ADP Run** (Best for Complex Scheduling & Compliance)
* **Why it’s best:** Highly robust compliance tools tailored to healthcare regulations, shift differentials, and varying overtime rules.
* **Ideal for:** Clinics with complex staff schedules (e.g., night shifts, varied pay rates, call-in pay).
* **Key Features:** Strong HR support, deep integrations, scalable as you grow, and 24/7 specialist access.

---

### 3. **OnPay** (Best Value / Fixed Pricing)
* **Why it’s best:** Flat monthly pricing with no hidden fees and tailored setup specifically for healthcare and dental practices.
* **Ideal for:** Budget-conscious clinics wanting full payroll features and benefits administration without tier-based upsells.
* **Key Features:** Unlimited payroll runs, automated tax filing, lifetime employee account access, and free data migration.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Gusto** for the easiest user experience and intuitive benefits management.
* Go with **ADP Run** if you have complex shift differentials and need heavy compliance support.


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

For a team of 5, the top three recommendations depend on your budget and existing tools:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):** The most user-friendly choice for first-time employers. It automates local, state, and federal tax filings, offers easy employee self-onboarding, and integrates with almost all accounting software.
   * *Pricing:* Starts at ~$40/month base + $6/employee.

2. **OnPay (Best Value):** Offers full-service payroll with all features included in a single, affordable pricing tier, making it simple and predictable.
   * *Pricing:* $40/month base + $6/employee.

3. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best if using QuickBooks):** The easiest option if you already use QuickBooks Online for your accounting, as it keeps your financial data synced automatically.
   * *Pricing:* Starts at $45/month base + $6/employee (frequent promotional discounts available).

**Recommendation:** Start with **Gusto** for the easiest setup and best overall interface for a brand-new team.


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

**Gusto** is widely considered the best payroll software for automated tax calculation and filing for SMBs.

**Why Gusto leads in tax automation:**
* **Full Automation:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files federal, state, and local payroll taxes (including Forms 941, 940, W-2s, and 1099s).
* **Multi-State Support:** Automatically handles registration and tax filings across multiple states if you have remote employees.
* **Tax Penalty Protection:** Gusto covers the costs if any tax filing errors occur on their end.

**Top Alternatives:**
* **OnPay:** Best for straightforward, flat-rate pricing with full tax automation included for all employees.
* **ADP RUN:** Best for growing SMBs needing heavy enterprise-level HR integration and specialized tax credit services (e.g., WOTC).


best self-service payroll software for small business

Here are the top self-service payroll software options for small businesses, categorized by your specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto – Best Overall**
* **Why it’s best:** Gusto offers the most intuitive self-service portal (Gusto Wallet app), allowing employees to view paystubs, W-2s, request time off, and manage direct deposit details independently.
* **Key features:** Automated tax filing, unlimited payroll runs, benefits administration, and HR tools.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 2. **OnPay – Best Simple Pricing & Value**
* **Why it’s best:** Offers a full-featured, easy-to-use employee self-service portal with zero hidden fees and excellent customer support.
* **Key features:** Automated payroll taxes, HR tools, custom workflows, and benefits integration included in the base price.
* **Pricing:** Flat rate of $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll – Best for QuickBooks Users**
* **Why it’s best:** If you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, this integrates seamlessly. The Workforce portal allows employees to track time and view pay information.
* **Key features:** Same-day or 24-hour direct deposit, automated tax penalty protection (on higher tiers), and integrated time tracking via QuickBooks Time.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $45/month + $6/person per month (frequent promotional discounts apply).

### 4. **Rippling – Best for Tech-Forward & Scaling Businesses**
* **Why it’s best:** Highly customizable with an exceptional mobile app. Employees can handle payroll self-service alongside IT tasks (like requesting hardware/software access).
* **Key features:** Global payroll capabilities, deep HR and IT automations, and advanced reporting.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/user per month + a custom base fee.

### 5. **Patriot Payroll – Best Budget Option**
* **Why it’s best:** One of the most affordable full-service options available with a reliable online employee portal for paystubs and tax documents.
* **Key features:** Fast setup, optional time-tracking add-on, free setup assistance.
* **Pricing:** Full-service starts at $37/month + $4/person per month.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Pick **Gusto** for the easiest overall user experience and employee onboarding.
* Pick **OnPay** if you want simple, all-inclusive pricing without tier upgrades.
* Pick **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already manage your books on QuickBooks.


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

Here are the best, simple payroll software options for a 20-person consulting firm:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, automates local/state/federal tax filings, and seamlessly handles both salaried employees (W-2) and independent contractors (1099).
* **Key features:** Time-tracking integrations, direct deposit, automatic tax filing, and basic benefits administration.
* **Pricing:** Starts at ~$40/month + $6/person/month.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks Accounting)
* **Why it fits:** Native integration with QuickBooks Online makes client invoicing, project tracking, and payroll accounting seamless in one ecosystem.
* **Key features:** Same-day direct deposit, automated taxes, integrated time tracking via QuickBooks Time.
* **Pricing:** Starts at ~$45/month + $6/person/month (frequent promotional discounts available).

### 3. **OnPay** (Best for Simple, Flat-Rate Pricing)
* **Why it fits:** Offers full-service payroll with no hidden tiers or feature add-ons. Great customer support.
* **Key features:** Unlimited payroll runs, automated tax filings, state tax registration assistance, software integrations (Xero, QuickBooks).
* **Pricing:** Flat rate of $40/month + $6/person/month.

### 4. **Rippling** (Best for Scalability & IT/HR Needs)
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if your firm needs to manage computer equipment, software app provisioning (Slack, Google Workspace), and global contractors alongside payroll.
* **Key features:** Ultra-fast payroll execution, deep automation, customizable workflows.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/person/month + a base platform fee (custom quote required).

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* **Choose Gusto** for the easiest, most stress-free experience overall.
* **Choose QuickBooks Payroll** if your bookkeeping is already in QuickBooks.
* **Choose Rippling** if you want to automate both HR/payroll and IT admin tasks for remote consultants.


top payroll software for small architecture firm

Here are the top payroll software options for a small architecture firm, categorized by key business needs:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, full-service automated tax filing, and handles both W-2 employees and 1099 freelance draftsmen/consultants.
* **Key Features:** Easy integration with popular project time-tracking tools (like Harvest and QuickBooks Time), direct deposit, and simple benefits administration.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best for QuickBooks Users)
* **Why it fits:** If your firm already uses QuickBooks Online for client billing, project tracking, and general accounting, adding QuickBooks Payroll provides seamless data integration without double entry.
* **Key Features:** Same-day direct deposit, auto-payroll for salaried architects, and built-in job costing features.

### 3. **Rippling** (Best for Remote Teams & Multi-State Hiring)
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if your architects or draftsmen work remotely across different states, as it automates state-by-state tax registration and compliance.
* **Key Features:** Highly customizable workflows, robust HR features, and strong integrations with third-party software.

### 4. **BQE CORE** (Best All-in-One Industry-Specific Solution)
* **Why it fits:** Designed specifically for architecture and engineering firms. It combines payroll with project management, time-tracking, and job costing.
* **Key Features:** Direct tie between tracked billable hours and payroll, advanced job-costing reports, and phased project tracking.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Gusto** for the easiest, standalone payroll experience.
* Go with **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.
* Go with **BQE CORE** if you want an all-in-one software that handles architectural project management alongside payroll.


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

The best payroll tools for small businesses needing same-day or fast direct deposit are:

1. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for guaranteed same-day deposit):** Offers built-in **same-day direct deposit** for both employees and contractors on its Premium and Elite plans. It is the top choice if speed is your highest priority or if you already use QuickBooks Accounting.
2. **Gusto (Best overall small business platform):** Offers **next-day direct deposit** standard on its core plans and **same-day direct deposit** for eligible businesses on its higher-tier plans. It is widely considered the most user-friendly all-in-one payroll and HR platform for small businesses.

**Summary:** Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you need guaranteed same-day processing out of the box, or **Gusto** if next-day deposit is fast enough and you want a better overall HR/payroll experience.


best payroll software for small auto repair shop

The best payroll software for a small auto repair shop depends on how you pay your technicians (hourly, salary, or flat-rate/commission) and what shop management software you use.

Here are the top three options:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s great for auto shops:** Gusto is user-friendly, affordable, and handles complex pay structures easily, including custom commission rates, flat-rate bonuses, and differential hourly pay for technicians vs. front-desk staff.
* **Integrations:** Syncs directly with popular auto shop management software like **Shopmonkey**, **Tekmetric**, and **Bay-Master**, as well as QuickBooks and Xero.
* **Best for:** Shops wanting an intuitive system that automates tax filings and handles flexible pay types.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best for QuickBooks Accounting Users)
* **Why it’s great for auto shops:** If you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, parts tracking, and invoicing, adding QuickBooks Payroll keeps everything in one ecosystem. It simplifies tracking labor costs against overall job profitability.
* **Integrations:** Native integration with almost all major Auto Repair Shop Management Software (Mitchell 1, Tekmetric, Shopmonkey).
* **Best for:** Shops already relying heavily on QuickBooks for business accounting.

### 3. **OnPay** (Best Budget Option)
* **Why it’s great for auto shops:** OnPay offers a simple, flat pricing model ($40/mo + $6/user) with no hidden fees or tiers. It supports custom pay rates, commissions, and direct deposits for full-time techs and independent 1099 contractors.
* **Integrations:** Syncs with QuickBooks Online and Xero.
* **Best for:** Cost-conscious shops looking for robust features without price hikes as they grow.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Gusto** if you use modern cloud shop software (like Shopmonkey or Tekmetric) and want the easiest payroll experience.
* Go with **QuickBooks Payroll** if your shop relies on QuickBooks for daily bookkeeping and inventory tracking.


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

For a company with 35 employees that prioritizes automation and reliable customer support, **Gusto** (specifically the **Plus plan**) is your best choice.

### Why **Gusto (Plus Plan)**:
* **Fully Automated:** Features "AutoPilot" payroll, automatic local/state/federal tax filings, and automated employee onboarding.
* **Priority Support:** The Plus plan grants you access to priority customer support, phone support, and dedicated onboarding assistance.
* **Employee Self-Service:** Employees get their own accounts to access pay stubs and W-2s, reducing admin workload.

### Best Alternative:
* **ADP RUN:** Choose ADP if you want a dedicated payroll specialist assigned to your account or need 24/7 customer support, though it comes with a higher price tag and less transparent pricing than Gusto.


affordable payroll software with direct deposit for 6 employees

Here are the most affordable payroll software options with direct deposit for **6 employees**, ordered by total estimated monthly cost:

### 1. Patriot Payroll (Cheapest Overall)
* **Estimated Cost:** **~$41/month** ($17 base fee + $4 per employee)
* **Features:** Full-service payroll (calculates, files, and pays payroll taxes), free 2-day direct deposit, employee portal, and clear setup.

### 2. Roll by ADP (Best Low-Cost Mobile App)
* **Estimated Cost:** **~$59/month** ($29 base fee + $5 per employee)
* **Features:** Unlimited payroll runs, direct deposit, automated tax filing, and a chat-based app interface.

### 3. Square Payroll (Best Value for Simple Payroll)
* **Estimated Cost:** **~$71/month** ($35 base fee + $6 per employee)
* **Features:** Full tax filing, direct deposit, automated payroll, and no hidden fees. Integrates seamlessly if you already use Square POS.

### 4. Gusto (Best Overall Experience)
* **Estimated Cost:** **~$76/month** ($40 base fee + $6 per employee for the "Simple" plan)
* **Features:** Extremely user-friendly, automated tax filing, direct deposit, employee self-onboarding, and time tracking integrations.

---

### Recommendation
* **If budget is your top priority:** Go with **Patriot Payroll**.
* **If you want the easiest interface and best extra tools:** Go with **Gusto**.


What payroll software do most small business owners recommend?

Most small business owners primarily recommend **Gusto** and **QuickBooks Payroll**, depending on their needs:

1. **Gusto** (Best Overall): Most widely recommended for its extremely user-friendly interface, automated tax filing, transparent pricing, and excellent HR integrations. Ideal for businesses with 1 to 100 employees.
2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best for Integration): Recommended for businesses that already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, as it seamlessly syncs payroll data directly with financial records.

Other frequently recommended options include:
* **OnPay:** Best low-cost, straightforward option for very small businesses or simple setups.
* **ADP Run:** Best for growing businesses that need robust compliance tools and plan to scale significantly.
* **Rippling:** Best for tech-focused companies needing combined payroll, HR, and IT device management.


What is the best payroll software for a 10-person small business?

For a **10-person small business**, **Gusto** is the best default choice for most teams because it combines easy-to-use payroll, automated tax filing, onboarding, and benefits in one package.[5][6][11]

If your priorities are different, these are the main alternatives:
- **OnPay**: best for **best overall value and support**, with pricing geared to small businesses at **$49 + $6 per employee**.[2]
- **Patriot**: best for **lowest cost**, starting at **$17 + $4 per employee**.[2]
- **Payroll4Free**: can be the cheapest option for teams **under 10 employees**, but it is better suited to very basic needs.[6]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: best if you already use **QuickBooks** for accounting.[5]
- **ADP RUN**: better if you expect to grow quickly and want a more scalable provider.[8][17]

For a 10-person business, the practical pick is usually:
- **Gusto** if you want the best balance of simplicity, automation, and features.[5][6][11]
- **OnPay** if you want strong support and predictable small-business pricing.[2]
- **Patriot** if minimizing monthly cost matters most.[2]

If you want, I can also give you a **side-by-side comparison of Gusto vs OnPay vs Patriot for 10 employees**.


Best payroll software for small business

For most small businesses, **Gusto** is the best overall payroll software because it combines easy-to-use payroll with tax filing, HR tools, and benefits administration in one platform.[2][9][18]

If you want the best option by need, these are the most common picks:
- **Gusto** — best overall for most small businesses and owners who want an all-in-one system.[2][9][18]
- **ADP RUN** — best for growing businesses that may need more scalable payroll support.[1][3]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks and want tight accounting integration.[1][3][16]
- **OnPay** — best for tax compliance and more industry-specific payroll needs.[1]
- **Paychex Flex** — best if you want hands-on support and flexibility.[1][3]
- **Homebase** — best if you want free payroll plus team management features.[1]

If you want a simple recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-around pick.
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if accounting integration matters most.
- Choose **ADP RUN** if you expect to grow quickly.
- Choose **Paychex Flex** if support is your top priority.

If you want, I can also compare the **top 3 payroll options for your business size, budget, and number of employees**.


We're a 15 person company processing payroll manually in Excel and making mistakes. What payroll software should we buy?

For a **15-person company**, the safest default choice is **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-in-one replacement for manual Excel payroll, with strong automation, tax filing, onboarding, and a simple interface for non-HR users.[7][17][15]

If you want the best alternatives by priority, I’d narrow it to:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most small businesses; strong balance of ease, compliance, and employee self-service.[7][17][12]
- **OnPay** — best if you want straightforward pricing and solid support; often recommended for small businesses that want simplicity.[4][15][17]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks and want the cleanest accounting integration.[6][11][15]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best budget option; lower starting price, but typically less polished than Gusto/OnPay.[13][16][6]
- **ADP RUN** — best if you expect to grow quickly and want a more established provider, though pricing is usually custom.[3][8]

For your situation, I would choose:

- **Gusto** if your main problem is *manual errors* and you want the smoothest transition from Excel.[7][17]
- **OnPay** if you care most about *simple pricing and ease of use*.[4][15]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** if payroll must stay tightly connected to your books.[11][15]

A practical rule of thumb for a 15-person team:
- Pick **Gusto** for the best overall fit.
- Pick **OnPay** if you want the cleanest pricing/value tradeoff.
- Pick **QuickBooks Payroll** only if accounting integration is a top requirement.

If you want, I can also give you a **3-vendor shortlist with estimated monthly cost for 15 employees**.


Recommend payroll software for a small business with under 50 employees.

For a small business with **under 50 employees**, the safest default recommendation is **Gusto** if you want the best all-around balance of ease of use, payroll automation, and optional benefits administration.[7][10] If your priority is **lowest-cost core payroll**, **Patriot Payroll** and **OnPay** are strong alternatives, with OnPay often highlighted for value and support.[4][6]

A practical shortlist:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most small businesses because it combines payroll, HR features, and benefits administration in a simple package.[7][10]
- **OnPay** — best value if you want solid payroll features and support without paying for extra complexity.[6]
- **Patriot Payroll** — good if you want a budget-friendly option and mainly need to run payroll efficiently.[3][4]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks accounting and want tighter bookkeeping integration.[9]
- **ADP Run / small business payroll** — better if you want a larger provider with broader service options and can accept a more enterprise-style experience.[16][18]
- **Paychex** — suitable if you want payroll plus broader HR services as your business grows.[20]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** for the best overall experience.[7][10]
- Choose **OnPay** if you care most about **value**.[6]
- Choose **Patriot** if you care most about **price**.[4]

If you want, I can narrow this down further by **budget**, **state tax complexity**, or whether you need **benefits, time tracking, or QuickBooks integration**.


affordable full-service payroll software for SMB

For an **affordable full-service payroll software** for an SMB, the best budget picks in the results are **Patriot Payroll** and **SurePayroll**. Patriot is the lowest-priced full-service option cited, starting at **$17/month + $4/employee** for Basic and **$37/month + $5/employee** for Full Service; SurePayroll’s full-service plan starts at **$29.99/month** according to Business.org.[2][5][11]

If you want the best fit by budget and features:

- **Cheapest full-service:** **Patriot Payroll** — full-service starts at **$37/month + $5/employee**, and it includes automatic tax filing and direct deposit.[5][12]
- **Low-cost all-around:** **SurePayroll** — full-service starts at **$29.99/month**, making it one of the most affordable options overall.[2]
- **Best value with stronger support/features:** **OnPay** — priced around **$49/month + $6/employee**, with flat pricing and robust payroll/compliance features.[7][12]
- **Simple SMB option with HR/benefits:** **Gusto** — starts at **$55/month** in one Gusto pricing page, with unlimited payroll runs, benefits administration, and support included.[1]

A quick rule of thumb:
- Choose **Patriot** if your main goal is **lowest cost**.[5][8]
- Choose **SurePayroll** if you want **full-service payroll at a very low entry price**.[2]
- Choose **OnPay** if you want **more included features and support** while staying relatively affordable.[7]
- Choose **Gusto** if you want **ease of use plus HR/benefits**, even though it is typically pricier than Patriot or SurePayroll.[1][7]

If you want, I can also narrow this down by **number of employees**, **need for tax filing**, or **whether you want HR/benefits included**.


What payroll software do small companies actually use?

Small companies most commonly use **Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, OnPay, and Patriot Payroll**. Across recent small-business roundups, **Gusto** is the most frequently recommended overall, while **QuickBooks Payroll** is often cited as the most used among companies already on QuickBooks, and **ADP RUN** and **Paychex** are common choices for growing businesses or those wanting more support.[1][5][7][10][13][18]

What small companies actually pick depends on their needs:

- **Gusto** — very common for simple, all-in-one payroll plus HR and benefits.[1][5][7][16][17]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — common when the business already uses QuickBooks accounting.[1][5][10][16]
- **ADP RUN** — common for fast-growing small businesses that want a more established provider.[2][13][18]
- **Paychex Flex** — used by businesses that want stronger support and HCM features.[2][7][18]
- **OnPay** — popular with small businesses that want straightforward pricing and compliance tools.[4][5][9][16]
- **Patriot Payroll** — favored by budget-conscious small businesses.[1][5][7][14]

If you mean **“most used in practice”** rather than **“best reviewed,”** the clearest answer from the results is **QuickBooks Payroll and Gusto**, with **Paychex/ADP** also prominent depending on company size and support needs.[10][13][18]


best payroll software for a 5-person startup

For a **5-person startup**, the best default choice is usually **Gusto** if you want an easy, all-in-one payroll tool with strong HR features, and **OnPay** if you want the best value/support balance at a slightly different price point.[6][7][5]

A practical shortlist:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most small startups; multiple startup-focused guides call it the sweet spot for functionality, price, and ease of use, and it’s often recommended for US-based startups because of its payroll + HR bundle.[6][7][11]
- **OnPay** — best value for small businesses; one review source highlights it as “best overall value and support,” with pricing shown at **$49 + $6/employee**.[5]
- **Patriot** — best if your main goal is **lowest cost**; one comparison lists it at **$17 + $4/employee**.[5]
- **ADP** — worth considering if you want a more established provider, though it is usually more than a 5-person startup needs.[14]

If you want the simplest recommendation: **pick Gusto** for ease of setup and a startup-friendly feature set.[6][7][11]

If you want, I can also give you a **1-minute comparison of Gusto vs OnPay vs Patriot** specifically for a 5-person team.


What is the easiest payroll software to use for a business owner with no HR background?

For a business owner with **no HR background**, the easiest payroll software is usually **Gusto** or **OnPay**, with **Gusto** the most common overall recommendation for simplicity and an intuitive setup. Several current small-business roundups describe Gusto as easy for non-HR users and strong on automation, while TechnologyAdvice specifically names **OnPay** as best for ease of use.[3][6][11][13]

If you want the shortest answer:

- **Best overall for non-HR owners:** **Gusto**[1][3][6][11][13][15]
- **Best for ease of use specifically:** **OnPay**[7][13]
- **Best if you already use QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll**[6]

Why Gusto is often the easiest choice:
- It is repeatedly described as **friendly to non-HR people** and built for small businesses.[3][11]
- It automates key payroll tasks like **tax filing**, **direct deposit**, and **year-end forms**.[1][11]
- Reviews highlight its **clean interface** and **guided onboarding**, which reduce the learning curve.[10][11]

If you want, I can also give you a **1-minute recommendation based on your business size, budget, and whether you have contractors or employees**.


Best payroll system for small business with hourly and salaried employees

For a small business with both **hourly and salaried employees**, **Gusto** is the safest all-around pick if you want one payroll system that is easy to use and handles payroll, tax filing, and benefits well.[1][5] If your business is heavily **hourly/shift-based** and you want scheduling and time tracking tightly connected to payroll, **Homebase** is the stronger fit.[2][8]

A practical way to choose:

- **Choose Gusto** if you want the best balance of simplicity, compliance support, and mixed employee types.[1][5]
- **Choose Homebase** if your team is mostly hourly and you care most about scheduling, time clocks, and payroll in one system.[2][8]
- **Choose TimeTrex** if you need the most native all-in-one workflow for hourly, shift-based, or multi-location operations.[3]
- **Choose Patriot** if budget is the main concern and you still need to pay hourly workers, salaried employees, and contractors in the same run.[7][18]

If you want a single recommendation, **Gusto** is usually the best default for a small business with both hourly and salaried staff.[1][5]


We have 20 employees across 3 different states. What payroll software handles multi-state tax filing automatically?

For **20 employees across 3 states**, several payroll platforms can handle **multi-state tax filing automatically**, including **Gusto**, **OnPay**, **Rippling**, **Paychex**, and **Paylocity**.[2][3][7][10]

If you want the most straightforward options for a small team, **Gusto** and **OnPay** are commonly recommended for small businesses and both support automated multistate tax filings.[2][3][6] **Rippling** is a stronger fit if you want more automation and broader HR/IT workflow integration.[2][17] **Paychex** and **Paylocity** also advertise automatic calculation, withholding, and remittance across states.[7][10]

A simple way to choose:
- **Best for ease of use:** Gusto[2][6]
- **Best for cost-conscious small businesses:** OnPay[2][3][6]
- **Best for advanced automation:** Rippling[2][17]
- **Best for established payroll services:** Paychex[7]
- **Best for compliance-heavy workflows:** Paylocity[10]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best 2 options** based on your budget, whether you need HR features, and which states your employees are in.


top payroll software for small marketing agency

For a **small marketing agency**, the strongest payroll software options are usually **Gusto**, **OnPay**, and **QuickBooks Payroll**; if you want the most well-rounded choice, **Gusto** is the safest default because multiple reviews rate it highly for small businesses and note its payroll plus HR/benefits automation.[3][11]

A practical shortlist:

- **Gusto** — best all-around for small agencies that want payroll, HR, and benefits in one place.[3][11]
- **OnPay** — best value if you want strong payroll support at a lower cost for a small team.[4]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if your agency already uses QuickBooks for accounting and wants tight integration.[2]
- **Paychex** — good if you want more hands-on support and flexibility as you grow.[2][17]
- **Square Payroll** — worth considering if you have very simple payroll needs and want a straightforward setup.[2]

If you want a quick recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-in-one experience.[3][11]
- Choose **OnPay** if budget matters most.[4]
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if accounting integration is the priority.[2]

If you tell me your team size, whether you pay contractors, and whether you already use QuickBooks or Gusto-like HR tools, I can narrow it to the best 1–2 options.


What software should a small restaurant buy to handle hourly payroll, tip pooling, and direct deposit?

For a **small restaurant**, the best fit is usually **restaurant-specific payroll software** that supports **hourly pay, tip pooling, and direct deposit**—most often **Gusto**, **OnPay**, or **Square Payroll** depending on your POS and how complex your tipping setup is.[3][11][12]

- **Gusto** is the best general pick for many small restaurants because it handles payroll, compliance, benefits, and basic HR in one platform, and it supports direct deposit.[5][17]
- **OnPay** is a strong option if you need to manage **hourly wages plus cash tips and controlled tips**, and it also supports direct deposit and multiple pay rates.[11]
- **Square Payroll** is the simplest choice if you already use **Square POS**, since it integrates more naturally with that ecosystem.[3][12]
- If **tip pooling** is a major requirement and you want more restaurant-native handling, **Toast Payroll** is a strong choice for restaurants already on Toast POS because it automates tip pooling and tip makeup.[3]

If you want one practical recommendation without more context: **choose Gusto unless you already run Square or Toast POS**.[3][5][12]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option for your POS, number of employees, and tip-pooling rules**.


best payroll software for small construction business

For a **small construction business**, the strongest all-around picks are usually **RUN Powered by ADP**, **OnPay**, and **QuickBooks Payroll**—with the best choice depending on how much construction-specific compliance you need.[5][6][7][8]

- **RUN Powered by ADP**: best if you want a small-business payroll platform that handles more complex payroll/compliance needs; several construction-focused roundups call it the best fit for small construction businesses or the strongest overall option for contractors.[5][6]
- **OnPay**: often recommended for **small construction crews** and is a good choice if you want simpler payroll with solid contractor-friendly features.[8][6]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: best if your construction business already uses QuickBooks accounting and you want a **low-friction** setup with direct accounting integration.[7]
- **Gusto**: a good option for very small teams or simpler payroll needs; one construction payroll guide says it’s okay for a one- or two-helper operation.[2]

If you need **union payroll, prevailing wage, certified payroll, or multiple job costing rates**, I’d lean toward **ADP** or a construction-focused platform like **Miter** or **Foundation** rather than a basic small-business payroll tool.[4][9][10]

A practical short list:

| Best for | Software |
|---|---|
| Best overall for small construction businesses | **RUN Powered by ADP** |
| Best for small crews | **OnPay** |
| Best if you use QuickBooks | **QuickBooks Payroll** |
| Best for very small/simple teams | **Gusto** |
| Best for heavier construction-specific workflows | **Miter** / **Foundation** |

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best 1–2 options** based on your crew size, whether you do **prevailing wage/union work**, and what accounting software you use.


We need easy payroll software with auto tax filing for 8 workers. What should we choose?

For **8 workers**, the best fit is usually **Gusto** if you want the easiest full-service payroll with **automatic tax filing** and a simple setup.[3][11][13]

If you want the closest alternatives, I’d rank them like this:

- **Gusto** — best overall for ease of use, full-service payroll, and automatic federal/state/local tax filing; it also supports year-end forms and benefits tools.[3][11][13]
- **OnPay** — a strong choice if you want straightforward pricing and good support, with full-service tax filing and a simpler small-business focus.[9][11][13]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks accounting, with automatic tax calculation, filing, and payment.[1][2][9]
- **ADP RUN** — good if you want a more established payroll provider with worry-free tax filing, but it is often better suited when you expect more complexity.[7][10]

For a team of **8 employees**, my practical recommendation is:

- Choose **Gusto** if you want the most user-friendly option with automatic tax filing.
- Choose **OnPay** if price transparency and simplicity matter more.
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** only if you already rely on QuickBooks accounting.[1][2][11][13]

If you want, I can also give you a **quick 3-way comparison of Gusto vs OnPay vs QuickBooks Payroll for 8 employees** with estimated monthly cost.


affordable online payroll services for boutique retail store

For a **boutique retail store**, the most affordable online payroll options in the results are **Patriot Payroll**, **SurePayroll**, **Square Payroll**, and **Homebase**. If your store already uses Square POS, **Square Payroll** is especially practical for retail; if you want the lowest sticker price, **Patriot** and **SurePayroll** are the cheapest credible picks.[6][7][11][16][18]

- **Patriot Payroll** — starts at **$17/month + $4/employee**; good for budget-conscious small retailers that can handle a more basic setup.[6][11][18]
- **SurePayroll** — starts around **$19.99/month + $4/employee**; often cited as one of the cheapest options for very small teams.[7][17][18]
- **Square Payroll** — about **$35/month + $6/employee**; specifically recommended for **retail** and businesses already using **Square POS**.[5][11][18]
- **Homebase** — **$39/month + $6/employee**; strong fit for hourly retail teams because it combines scheduling, time tracking, and payroll.[6][7][11]
- **OnPay** — **$49/month + $6/employee**; not the cheapest, but it includes payroll, tax filing, HR tools, and benefits in one plan.[1][7][8]

A simple way to choose:
- Choose **Patriot** if your main goal is the **lowest cost**.[6][11]
- Choose **Square Payroll** if you want the best fit for **retail operations** and already use Square tools.[5][11][18]
- Choose **Homebase** if you need **scheduling + time tracking + payroll** for hourly staff.[6][7]
- Choose **OnPay** if you want a **single all-in-one plan** with stronger HR support.[1][8]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option for your team size** or compare **monthly cost for 3, 5, or 10 employees**.


What payroll platform is best for a non-profit with 12 employees?

For a **non-profit with 12 employees**, **Gusto** is the best all-around choice if you want the simplest setup with strong payroll, tax filing, and benefits support.[2][6][18]

If your top priority is **lowest cost and nonprofit-specific payroll handling**, **OnPay** is the strongest alternative for a small nonprofit.[1][3][10]

A practical short list for your size:

- **Gusto** — best overall for small nonprofits that want ease of use, automated tax filing, and benefits management.[2][6][18]
- **OnPay** — best for affordability and simple nonprofit payroll needs, with built-in nonprofit features like FUTA exemption handling and department cost allocation.[1][3][10]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks for accounting and want tighter bookkeeping integration.[6]

If you want one recommendation without more detail: **pick Gusto** unless you are very cost-sensitive, in which case **OnPay** is the better fit.[2][6][18]


best payroll software for micro business 3 employees

For a **micro business with 3 employees**, the best payroll software is usually **Gusto** or **Patriot Payroll**. **Gusto** is the strongest all-around choice for ease of use and payroll automation, while **Patriot** is the best low-cost option for very small teams.[6][17][4]

A practical short list:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most micro businesses; it’s repeatedly ranked as a top small-business payroll platform because it combines automated payroll, tax filing, onboarding, and benefits in an easy interface.[17][13][6]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best if your main goal is **lowest cost**; it’s highlighted as the affordability pick, with pricing cited as **$17 + $4 per employee** in one comparison.[4][6]
- **OnPay** — good if you want a simple, value-oriented service with strong support; it’s described as a top pick for small businesses and “best overall value and support.”[4]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks accounting, since the payroll tool is designed to fit that ecosystem.[5][6]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Pick **Gusto** if you want the best balance of features and ease.
- Pick **Patriot** if you want the cheapest solid option for 3 employees.[4][6][18]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-minute comparison of Gusto vs Patriot vs OnPay** specifically for a 3-person business.


We are switching from a manual accountant to payroll software for our 25-person team. What is the best option?

For a **25-person team**, the best default choice is **Gusto** if you want the strongest mix of ease of use, payroll automation, and HR features for a small business.[2][3][17]

If your priority is **best value for a 25-employee U.S. team**, **OnPay** is a very close alternative; one 2026 pricing comparison puts both **Gusto Simple** and **OnPay** at about **$199/month** for 25 employees, and describes them as the best value at that size.[1][10]

A practical way to choose:

- **Choose Gusto** if you want the most polished all-in-one system and you’re replacing a manual accountant with something easy for non-payroll specialists to run.[2][3][17]
- **Choose OnPay** if you want strong payroll functionality with simpler pricing/value emphasis.[1][10]
- **Choose QuickBooks Payroll** if your accounting is already centered in QuickBooks and integration matters most.[4][12]
- **Choose ADP RUN** if you expect faster growth or want a more enterprise-oriented provider.[8][11][12]

For most 25-person businesses, the evidence points to **Gusto as the best overall option** and **OnPay as the best value option**.[1][2][10][17]


easiest payroll software for direct deposit and tax filing

For the **easiest** payroll software that handles **direct deposit** and **tax filing**, **Gusto** is the strongest all-in-one choice from the results you provided.[3][12] It is repeatedly described as automating direct deposit, payroll runs, and tax filings, which makes it a good fit for businesses that want the least manual setup.[3][12]

If you want the simplest options by use case, consider:

- **Gusto** — best overall for an easy all-in-one payroll flow with direct deposit, tax filing, and contractor payments.[3][12]
- **OnPay** — best for straightforward payroll needs; it supports direct deposit and automates tax filings, with a reputation for simplicity.[9][11][14]
- **Patriot Payroll** — good if cost is the main priority; it offers free direct deposit options for qualifying customers and payroll tax support.[2][10]

If you already use **QuickBooks Online**, **QuickBooks Payroll** may feel easiest because it syncs payroll data with your accounting system and supports direct deposit and tax compliance.[7][14]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **cheapest**, **easiest for beginners**, or **best for contractors only**.


What is the top-rated payroll software for small law firms?

For most **small law firms, Gusto** is the top-rated payroll software overall because multiple rankings call it the best fit for small firms based on ease of use, compliance, integrations, and value.[1][3][7][8]

That said, the “best” choice depends on your firm’s priorities:

- **Gusto**: best overall for small and mid-size law firms, especially if you want strong QuickBooks integration, multi-state payroll, and broad HR features.[1][3][5][7][8]
- **OnPay**: best value option if you want one plan with multi-state payroll included and lower pricing.[1][3][4]
- **Rippling**: some AI-consensus sources rank it highest overall for law firms, but those results are less directly tied to small-firm payroll buying guides than the Gusto/OnPay recommendations.[2]

If you want a single recommendation for a typical small law firm, **Gusto** is the safest top pick.[1][3][7][8]


best payroll system for small dental practice

For a **small dental practice**, **Gusto** is the best all-around choice if you want something simple, modern, and reliable for a single-location office with fewer than about 25 employees.[1][3]

If your practice already uses **QuickBooks Online**, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the most convenient option, but it does **not** offer dental-specific features.[1] If you want a more dental-focused platform, **Netchex** is ranked as the best overall for dental and vision practices because it includes features like hygienist productivity tracking, multi-location pay, and strong support.[1]

A practical way to choose:

- **Gusto** — best for most very small dental offices with straightforward payroll needs.[1][3]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already run accounting in QuickBooks and want tight integration.[1]
- **Netchex** — best if you want dental-specific functionality and expect growth.[1]

If you want, I can also give you a **short list of the 3 best options by practice size** or compare **pricing, features, and ease of use** side by side.


We are a tech startup with 12 remote employees in the US. What payroll software should we buy?

For a **12-person U.S.-only remote startup**, the safest default pick is **Gusto** or **OnPay**. Both are repeatedly recommended for lean U.S. teams, with Gusto described as a strong fit for *U.S. multi-state remote teams* and OnPay described as *best overall value and support* for small businesses.[2][4][8]

If you want the shortest recommendation:
- **Choose Gusto** if you want the most startup-friendly all-in-one experience, especially if you may add benefits, HR features, or hire across multiple states.[4][9]
- **Choose OnPay** if you want strong support and a simple, cost-conscious payroll setup for a small team.[8]
- **Choose Patriot Payroll** if price is the main driver and you want the lowest-cost option among the commonly recommended small-business tools.[2][13]

Why these rise to the top for your situation:
- Remote U.S. teams need **multi-state payroll tax handling** and compliance support.[3]
- Small teams usually benefit most from **transparent pricing**, **unlimited payroll runs**, and **employee self-service**.[6]
- For U.S.-only remote teams, expert roundups consistently point to **Gusto, OnPay, and Patriot** rather than enterprise platforms like ADP or Paychex.[2][4][8][10]

A practical rule of thumb:
- If you want **best overall**: **Gusto**
- If you want **best value/support**: **OnPay**
- If you want **lowest cost**: **Patriot Payroll**[2][8][13]

If you tell me whether your 12 employees are in **one state or multiple states**, and whether you need **benefits, contractor payments, or accounting integration**, I can narrow it to a single best choice.


What payroll software provides the best mobile app for employees to view paystubs?

For **employees viewing paystubs on mobile**, **Gusto** is the strongest overall choice in the results you provided because multiple sources describe its app as especially intuitive and employee-friendly for pay stubs, W-2s, and self-service access.[1][8][14]

A few other solid options also stand out:

- **Paychex Flex**: TechRepublic says it has the best app for employees, and that employees can use it to view pay stubs and update personal/tax information.[10]
- **ADP Mobile Solutions**: ADP offers a dedicated mobile HR/payroll app, and TechRepublic also highlights ADP as a top employee-facing option.[10][12]
- **QuickBooks Workforce**: The search results indicate it has a reliable employee self-service app, though with less emphasis on mobile-first polish than Gusto.[1][17]
- **SurePayroll**: Its mobile self-service feature lets employees access pay stubs and W-2 information.[11]

If your main priority is the **best employee mobile experience for paystub access**, I’d pick **Gusto** first, with **Paychex Flex** a close second.[1][10][8]


best low cost payroll software for sole proprietor with 2 employees

For a **sole proprietor with 2 employees**, the best low-cost payroll option is usually **Patriot Payroll Basic** because it is repeatedly identified as one of the cheapest reputable payroll services, with a starting price of **$17/month + $4 per worker**.[7][8] If you want the **absolute lowest price** and can tolerate more manual setup, **Payroll4Free** is a free option for businesses with fewer than 10 employees.[1]

A practical shortlist:

- **Patriot Payroll Basic** — best balance of low cost and payroll features for a very small business; starts at **$17/month + $4 per worker**.[7]
- **Payroll4Free** — best if your main goal is **$0 software cost** and you have a tiny team; free for businesses with fewer than 10 employees.[1]
- **Gusto** — usually not the cheapest, but often recommended as a strong overall choice for small businesses because of automation and ease of use.[2][3]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Patriot** if you want low cost with fewer compromises.[7][8]
- Choose **Payroll4Free** if you want the lowest possible monthly software cost.[1]

If you want, I can also compare these on **tax filing, direct deposit, and owner payroll** for a sole proprietor with 2 employees.


We run a small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff. What payroll tool handles direct deposit best?

For a **small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff**, **Square Payroll** is the strongest fit if you want direct deposit handled cleanly and simply, especially if you already use Square for point-of-sale or time tracking.[3][5][9]

Why it stands out:
- It is repeatedly recommended for **restaurants, retail, and food service** businesses, including coffee shops.[3][5][7]
- It supports **direct deposit** and can handle **hourly pay, tips, overtime, and taxes** in one workflow.[1][3][7]
- It is designed for businesses that want payroll tied closely to their POS, which reduces manual entry and payroll errors.[3][9]

Other good options if your priority is different:
- **Gusto**: a strong all-around small-business payroll tool with direct deposit, but it is less specifically tailored to café/tip-heavy workflows than Square Payroll.[5][13][16]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: a good choice if you already use QuickBooks accounting, with fast direct deposit options.[5][7]
- **ADP Run**: solid if you want a more established provider with compliance support, but it is usually less “small café simple” than Square.[6][8][18]

If you want the simplest answer: **pick Square Payroll**.[3][5][7]