Whether you process payroll on your own time or want to make your assistant’s job easier, automating your payroll might be one of the best business decisions you make this year. After all, payment for most companies occurs every two weeks on average! Payroll outsourcing businesses may save you time and money, allowing you to concentrate on building your company.

Payroll can, by all means, be complicated and time-consuming to handle on your own, particularly if you have a large number of employees. According to IRS data, 40 percent of small firms pay an average of $845 in fines each year. Payroll services do all of the legwork for you.

The finest payroll services will provide an automated system that tracks employee hours, calculates and processes payroll, and includes free tax filings at the end of the year.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it. We looked at over two dozen payroll systems and decided on a handful of the best based on features, simplicity of use, customer support, and other factors. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. QuickBooks

QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online Payroll is a standalone payroll software solution created to be used in conjunction with QuickBooks Online Accounting. QuickBooks Online Payroll is suitable for companies with 50 employees; however, it is most cost-effective for those with 15 or fewer employees due to varied price levels.

HR capabilities are accessible in QuickBooks Online Payroll, but only in the Premium and Elite plans. However, it is worth mentioning that virtually all plans, regardless of price, come with time tracking capabilities.

QuickBooks Online Payroll costs $22.50 per month, $37.50 per month for the Premium plan, and $62.50 per month for the Elite plan. It’s a pretty affordable service, many companies will find a good use for, and we believe that any small business would find it useful.

2. Gusto

Gusto

Gusto is our favorite overall payroll service for slightly larger companies because it’s simple to use and offers an all-in-one solution that works without any tinkering. Gusto’s pricing is affordable, and its features are jam-packed with everything that businesses without in-house payroll teams would appreciate.

Gusto is a wonderful choice for any business, but it particularly shines for small businesses that need the most support. From automating your whole payroll to serving businesses in many states, Gusto is a terrific option for sure.

Gusto’s customer service is also well regarded. They provide help by phone, chat, and email. Chat is accessible from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, while phone hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. PT, depending on the level of service you choose.

Monday through Friday, both are available. Since they offer a vast array of interesting features, our recommendation would be to read more on the company’s official site.

3. ADP

ADP

ADP is most likely one of the largest payroll outsourcing providers. ADP has a great reputation and high customer service scores, despite being more expensive than some other alternatives. For most small businesses that don’t need much more than paying their regular workers, the Essential plan should be enough.

Another helpful tool in most ADP plans is the free comparison of your present HR practices to industry-leading HR standards. If you happen to choose the Enhanced Payroll plan, you can collect state unemployment insurance.

You’ll also need this mid-tier plan if you want to make paper checks or sell prepaid cards. However, they are generally very well scored and have a great reputation, so it’s an option worth considering.

4. Payroll Mate

Payroll Mate

Real Business Solutions’ Payroll Mate is a low-cost payroll program that is excellent for small companies that desire an on-premise solution. Payroll Mate is solely compatible with Windows operating systems and does not provide internet access; however, it may be hosted on a remote server if necessary.

Payroll Mate is a suitable alternative for accountants who conduct payroll for their customers and is geared for businesses with fewer than 75 employees.

Payroll Mate enables different pay intervals, unlimited payroll runs, and multistate payroll, making it suitable for small firms with several locations. A new employee wizard will walk you through adding a new employee, and there is also an easy-to-navigate tax setting page.

5. Paycor

Paycor

Paycor is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses, with a payroll solution tailored to companies with less than ten employees. Paycor provides a comprehensive set of payroll services, including direct deposit, employee self-service, and the ability to pay contractors.

Paycor provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android smartphones and comprehensive tax filing. Paycor’s top two plans include HR resources, and the most costly plan includes an onboarding tool.

Paycor provides small businesses (one to 39 workers) and mid-market businesses (40+ employees). Basic, which starts at $99 per month for up to ten employees; Essential, which starts at $149 per month for up to ten employees and includes HR capability; and Complete, which starts at $199 per month and includes HR capabilities, employee onboarding, and many third-party integrations.

It is a tad more expensive than some of our previous recommendations, but it’s also the most scalable and provides a good deal of plans that can fit most businesses.

Final Thoughts

As a business owner, you have many duties, and doing everything on your own or just slapping what you can’t manage to your assistant’s desk isn’t an ideal solution.

Getting a payroll service can help ease your day-to-day and avoid fines and tax mistakes. We presented you with a few great options for smaller businesses today. All that’s left now is for you to choose one.